May 9, United Press Internation Jimmy Johnson, a former NFL hero who played for the San Francisco 49ers for his entire 16-year professional football career and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1994, passed away on Thursday at the age of 86, the Hall confirmed.
In a statement on Thursday, Hall of Fame President Jim Porter noted, “Jimmy Johnson was extraordinarily athletically talented.” “Early in his career, the 49ers had the luxury of deploying him on offense and defense to meet team requirements. 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. The quarterbacks for opposing teams would almost never glance in his direction and would almost always regret taking a chance on him.”
In a social media statement, the 49ers organization also offered its condolences.
Additionally, the group issued a statement announcing his demise.
“The loss of Jimmy Johnson, one of the greatest players in NFL history, has left the 49ers family extremely grieved. According to the team statement, Jimmy “embodied the essence of what it meant to be a 49er.” “He was the epitome of a gentleman, and his compassion, modesty, and endearing manner will live on in his memory. We offer our sympathies to his wife Gisela and his whole family at this trying moment.
Johnson proved to be a formidable opponent on both ends of the field, recording 47 career interceptions in 213 games and 615 return yards. In addition, during his two seasons as a wide receiver, he caught 40 passes for 690 yards and four touchdowns.
Johnson was one of the first “shutdown” cornerbacks in football history and one of the best players in 49ers history, particularly when it came to defense. According to a quote from former 49ers quarterback John Brodie, experienced quarterbacks were afraid of getting intercepted, which is why they didn’t throw to Johnson.
According to Brodie, during their time as teammates, “Jim doesn’t receive much publicity because the opposition avoids him as much as possible,” according to the Pro Football Hall of Fame website. They call a few pass patterns in Jimmy’s area, according to seasoned quarterbacks like John Unitas and Bart Starr.
“The only reason Johnson doesn’t lead the league in interceptions is he doesn’t get the chance.”
No NFL player had played defensive back for as many seasons as Johnson had when he retired after his 1976 campaign. Johnson had the most games played by a wide receiver in league history at the time, with 201, and he had the most starts (198).
Only teammate Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott (51 interceptions, 643 yards) has more 49ers history in terms of interceptions and INT return yards than he has, according to the Hall of Fame.
Jimmy Johnson, whose real name was James Earl, was a brilliant track athlete off the field and played collegiate football at UCLA. However, his brother was an even greater athlete. At the Summer 1960 Decathlon, Radar took home a gold medal.
“Jimmy” Johnson was a UCLA collegiate athlete. Though he wasn’t quite as skilled as his brother, Johnson was a remarkable track athlete in addition to being a superb football player for the Bruins. Rafer Johnson, Jimmy Johnson’s brother, won a gold medal in the decathlon at the 1960 Summer Olympics, while Jimmy Johnson was named an All-American and the NCAA 100-meter champion.
Having been selected sixth overall in the 1961 NFL Draft, Jimmy Johnson immediately established himself as a star, grabbing five passes in his first twelve games. He was a member of the Pro Bowl from 1969 to 1972.
Johnson passed away on Wednesday night, according the 49ers and the Hall of Fame.
In a statement on Thursday, Hall of Fame President Jim Porter noted, “Jimmy Johnson was extraordinarily athletically talented.” “Early in his career, the 49ers had the luxury of deploying him on offense and defense to meet team requirements. 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. The quarterbacks for opposing teams would almost never glance in his direction and would almost always regret taking a chance on him.”
In a social media statement, the 49ers organization also offered its condolences.
Additionally, the group issued a statement announcing his demise.
“The loss of Jimmy Johnson, one of the greatest players in NFL history, has left the 49ers family extremely grieved. According to the team statement, Jimmy “embodied the essence of what it meant to be a 49er.” “He was the epitome of a gentleman, and his compassion, modesty, and endearing manner will live on in his memory. We offer our sympathies to his wife Gisela and his whole family at this trying moment.
Johnson proved to be a formidable opponent on both ends of the field, recording 47 career interceptions in 213 games and 615 return yards. In addition, during his two seasons as a wide receiver, he caught 40 passes for 690 yards and four touchdowns.
One of the best players in 49ers history, Johnson was a pioneer of the “shutdown” cornerback position in football, particularly when it came to the defensive end of the field. John Brodie, a former quarterback for the 49ers, once claimed that experienced quarterbacks avoided throwing to Johnson out of concern that he would be intercepted.
According to Brodie’s statement during their time as teammates, “Jim doesn’t receive much publicity because the opposition avoids him as much as possible,” the Pro Football Hall of Fame website states. Experienced quarterbacks like Bart Starr and John Unitas would tell you that they call a few pass patterns in Jimmy’s zone.
“The only reason Johnson doesn’t lead the league in interceptions is he doesn’t get the chance.”
At the end of his 1976 season, Johnson became the first NFL player to have played defensive back for more seasons than any other. Johnson had started 198 games and played in 201 games, which at the time were records for a DB in the league.
According to the Hall of Fame, his 49ers record for interceptions and INT return yards is still second only to fellow Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott (51 interceptions, 643 yards).
Born James Earl, Jimmy Johnson attended UCLA to play collegiate football. Off the field, he was a fantastic track athlete, but his brother was even more gifted. In the decathlon at the 1960 Summer Olympics, Radar took home a gold medal.
“Jimmy” Johnson was a UCLA collegiate athlete. Though he wasn’t quite as skilled as his brother, Johnson was a remarkable track athlete in addition to being a superb football player for the Bruins. Rafer Johnson, Jimmy Johnson’s brother, won a gold medal in the decathlon at the 1960 Summer Olympics, while Jimmy Johnson was named an All-American and the NCAA 100-meter champion.