Pro Football Hall of Famer Jimmy Johnson, a legendary cornerback who spent his entire 16-year NFL career with the San Francisco 49ers, has passed away at the age of 86. Born on March 31, 1938, in Dallas, Texas, Johnson attended UCLA where he excelled in football and track. He was selected sixth overall by the San Francisco 49ers in the 1961 NFL Draft and made an immediate impact with five interceptions as a rookie. From 1969 to 1972, Johnson went to four consecutive Pro Bowls and was a first-team All-Pro over the last three years of that stretch. He holds the second spot for most interceptions (47) and interception return yards (615) in 49ers history. Johnson's final interception came during a Week 3 win over the Seattle Seahawks in his final season at the age of 38 years, 179 days old.
Johnson was known for his athleticism and ability to shut down opposing receivers. The notion that a 'lockdown' cornerback could cut the field in half for the opposition was true with Jimmy. Only rarely would other teams' quarterbacks even look his direction, and more often than not regretted the decision if they challenged him.
Beyond his impressive football career, Johnson also excelled as a wide receiver, catching 40 passes for 690 yards and four touchdowns in two seasons. He was a track standout in hurdles and long jump at UCLA and his brother, Rafer Johnson, won a gold medal in the decathlon at the 1960 Summer Olympics.
Johnson's impact on the game of football extended beyond his playing days as he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1994. He is remembered not only for his impressive statistics but also for his quiet determination and gentlemanly demeanor both on and off the field.
The San Francisco 49ers organization released a statement expressing their condolences, 'Jimmy Johnson was extraordinarily athletically talented. The 49ers enjoyed the luxury of using him on offense and defense early in his career to fill team needs. Once he settled in at left cornerback, he flourished.'
Johnson's passing is a great loss for the football community and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of athletes.
