UPI reported on May 9 that former NFL star Jimmy Johnson, who had a 16-year career with the San Francisco 49ers and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1994, has died at the age of 86, as confirmed by the Hall of Fame on Thursday.
“Jimmy Johnson’s athletic talent was remarkable,” stated Hall of Fame President Jim Porter in Thursday’s announcement. “In his early career, the 49ers had the advantage of utilizing him on both offense and defense to meet team needs. Once he established himself at left cornerback, he excelled. The concept of a ‘lockdown’ cornerback who could essentially divide the field for opponents was a reality with Jimmy. Quarterbacks seldom looked his way, and when they did, they often regretted it.”
The 49ers organization also expressed its condolences in a social media post.
The 49ers family is deeply saddened by the passing of one of the NFL’s all-time greats, Jimmy Johnson. Jimmy embodied the essence of what it meant to be a 49er,” the team statement said. “He was the ultimate gentleman and will be remembered for his humility, kindness and loveable demeanor. We send our condolences to his wife Gisela and his entire family at this difficult time.”
While Johnson displayed prowess on both sides of the ball, boasting – 47 career interceptions in 213 games, with 615 return yards, he also hauled in 40 receptions for 690 yards and four touchdowns in two seasons as a wide receiver.
Considered one of the best players in San Francisco 49ers history, especially in defense, Jimmy Johnson was among the first “shutdown” cornerbacks in football. Former 49ers quarterback John Brodie mentioned that veteran quarterbacks often refrained from throwing in Johnson’s direction due to the risk of interception.
“Jim doesn’t get much press because opponents steer clear of him as much as they can,” Brodie remarked during their time as teammates, according to the Pro Football Hall of Fame website. “If you speak with seasoned quarterbacks like Johnny Unitas and Bart Starr, they’ll tell you they only call a few pass patterns toward Jimmy’s side.”
The only reason Johnson doesn’t lead the league in interceptions is he doesn’t get the chance.”
When Johnson retired following his 1976 campaign, no NFL player had turned in more seasons at defensive back than he had. At that time, Johnson’s 201 games and 198 starts were each the most for a DB in league history.
His interceptions and INT return yards remain second in 49ers history, behind only fellow Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott (51 interceptions, 643 yards), the Hall of Fame said.
Jimmy Johnson, born James Earl, played his college football at UCLA but was also a great track athlete away from the football field, but his brother was even better. Radar won a gold medal in the decathlon in the 1960 Summer Olympics.
“Jimmy” Johnson played college ball at UCLA. But Johnson wasn’t just a football standout for the Bruins — he was also exceptional on the track, though not quite as good as his brother. Jimmy Johnson won All-American honors and an NCAA 100-meter championship, while his brother, Rafer, garnered a gold medal in the decathlon at the 1960 Summer Olympics.
Jimmy Johnson was the 6th overall pick in the 1961 NFL Draft and made his presence felt right away in his rookie year with 5 catches in his first dozen games. He achieved Pro Bowl status from 1969 to 1972.
Johnson died Wednesday evening, the Hall of Fame and 49ers announced.
“Jimmy Johnson’s athleticism was exceptional,” said Hall of Fame President Jim Porter in his statement on Thursday. “Early in his career, the 49ers had the advantage of utilizing him on both offense and defense to meet team needs. Once he established himself at left cornerback, he truly excelled. The concept of a ‘lockdown’ cornerback, capable of effectively shutting down half the field, was a reality with Jimmy. Opposing quarterbacks rarely threw in his direction, and when they did, they often regretted it.”
The 49ers family is deeply saddened by the passing of one of the NFL’s all-time greats, Jimmy Johnson. Jimmy embodied the essence of what it meant to be a 49er,” the team statement said. “He was the ultimate gentleman and will be remembered for his humility, kindness and loveable demeanor. We send our condolences to his wife Gisela and his entire family at this difficult time.”
While Johnson displayed prowess on both sides of the ball, boasting – 47 career interceptions in 213 games, with 615 return yards, he also hauled in 40 receptions for 690 yards and four touchdowns in two seasons as a wide receiver.
Jim Johnson was one of the most exceptional players in the history of the San Francisco 49ers, known for his outstanding performance as a cornerback. He was one of the early examples of a “shutdown” cornerback, a player whom opposing quarterbacks avoided because of his skill at intercepting passes. Former 49ers quarterback John Brodie explained that veteran quarterbacks were hesitant to throw toward Johnson, fearing he would intercept the ball.
“Jim doesn’t get much attention because the opposing teams try to stay away from him as much as they can,” Brodie once said during their time as teammates, according to the Pro Football Hall of Fame website. “If you talk to seasoned quarterbacks like John Unitas and Bart Starr, they’ll admit that they rarely call passing plays near Jimmy’s area.”
“The only reason Johnson isn’t leading the league in interceptions is that he doesn’t get enough opportunities,” Brodie added.
When Jimmy Johnson retired after the 1976 season, he held a significant record for longevity in the NFL as a defensive back, with more seasons played in the position than anyone else at the time. His 201 games played and 198 starts were both record-setting for a defensive back.
Despite his retirement, Johnson’s career achievements remain notable. His total interceptions and interception return yards are still second in 49ers history, trailing only the legendary Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott, who finished with 51 interceptions and 643 return yards, as noted by the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Johnson, whose full name was James Earl Johnson, played college football at UCLA, where he was also an accomplished track and field athlete. Interestingly, his athletic talent extended to his family; his brother, known as “Rafer,” surpassed Jimmy’s track achievements by winning a gold medal in the decathlon at the 1960 Summer Olympics.
Jimmy” Johnson played college ball at UCLA. But Johnson wasn’t just a football standout for the Bruins — he was also exceptional on the track, though not quite as good as his brother. Jimmy Johnson won All-American honors and an NCAA 100-meter championship, while his brother, Rafer, garnered a gold medal in the decathlon at the 1960 Summer Olympics.
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