Jimmy Johnson, a cornerback for the San Francisco 49ers and Hall of Famer, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 86. The football community is in grief.
However, it seems that some people were confused by the announcement of Johnson’s passing, thinking he was the 80-year-old Hall of Fame head coach with the same name.
However, Johnson has stated that he is still very much alive, so don’t worry that the former head coach of the Miami Dolphins and Dallas Cowboys was the one who passed away. The NFL on Fox pundit paid his homage to the deceased cornerback on X, pointing out that he hasn’t disappeared.
At the age of 86, Jimmy Johnson, a 49ers Hall of Fame DB, passed away.RIP, Johnson penned. “Fox & Dallas Cowboys Hall of Famer Jimmy Johnson is still going strong.”
Regarding the original Jimmy Johnson in question, the 49ers and the NFL have honored the eight-time All-Pro selection during the last few days. In a press release, the 49ers stated:
“The loss of Jimmy Johnson, one of the greatest players in NFL history, has left the 49ers family extremely grieved. Jimmy personified everything that made being a 49er unique. He was the epitome of a gentleman and will always be cherished for his good nature, modesty, and charming way of being. We offer our sympathies to his wife Gisela and his whole family at this trying moment.
Jim Porter, the president of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, continued, saying:
“Jimmy Johnson possessed extraordinary athletic ability. Early in his career, the 49ers had the luxury of deploying him on offense and defense to satisfy team needs. He excelled after settling in at left cornerback. Jimmy proved that the idea that a “lockdown” cornerback might split the opposition’s field in half was accurate.
“Quartersbacks from opposing teams would almost never even glance in his direction, and most of them would later regret taking a chance on him.”