49ers legend Jimmy Johnson passed away at the age of 86 on Wednesday evening. Born March 31, 1938, in Dallas, James Earl “Jimmy” Johnson played college ball at UCLA, before making his way to the NFL and the 49ers. His passing has left a huge hole in the NFL world, with tributes pouring in from all directions after the news of his declining health and subsequent passing.
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NFL historian Kevin Gallagher posted an emotional tribute to the Hall of Fame Center on his X page, highlighting his accolades and accomplishments throughout the years. He expressed,
“RIP Jimmy Johnson A Tribute to the Legendary #49ers PFHOF Cornerback 1970s First-Team All-Decade, 5 Pro Bowls, 3x First-Team All-Pro Before manning the Niners’ left cornerback spot for a decade and a half, Jimmy played on offense — a weapon as a flanker in 1962.”
RIP Jimmy Johnson
A Tribute to the Legendary #49ers PFHOF Cornerback
1970s First-Team All-Decade, 5 Pro Bowls, 3x First-Team All-Pro
Before manning the Niners’ left cornerback spot for a decade and a half, Jimmy played on offense — a weapon as a flanker in 1962.#FTTB pic.twitter.com/on6y9lqGKP
— Kevin Gallagher (@KevG163) May 9, 2024
Spending his entire 16-season career with the 49ers, Johnson was a decorated player who donned different hats during his career spanning 1961 through 1976. He lined up as a cornerback, wide receiver, and safety, he collected five pro bowls, three first-team All-Pros, and a 1970s First-Team All-Decade spot.
Gallagher further pointed out,
“He was a great, great player. A true lockdown guy. Rail thin, but could lay a lick if need be. Fast, and very elusive after an interception. Tough as nails — played half the ’71 season with a broken arm, didn’t miss a game.”
Jimmy Johnson was a powerhouse defender and his man-to-man defense abilities in pro football history were so formidable that opposing quarterbacks rarely targeted his area of the field. Nevertheless, he managed to intercept 47 passes and return them for a total of 615 yards. His passing has left fans distraught, especially those who enjoyed the premier of his talents as spectators in that era.
Tributes Pour in For 49ers Legend
In a career spanning 213 games, Johnson accumulated 47 interceptions, amassing 615 return yards. Additionally, during his two seasons as a wide receiver, he recorded 40 receptions for 690 yards and four touchdowns. As he hung up his cleats 1976 season, he held the record for the most seasons played as a defensive back in the NFL at that time. A fan reminisced about watching Johnson play when he was growing up and said,
Kevin, When I began understanding what I watching in NFL Johnson was still a Pro Bowl caliber CB. I got his ’71 Topps card when my grandma took me with her to run errands one day and she let me get a 10¢ pack of Football cards from a grocery store to get bus fare to catch bus
— Free Your Mind And Your Ass Will Follow (@DavidJo55757507) May 10, 2024
I see from 64 through 74 he was good as anybody back there but i don’t recall him being talked about as much as some of his contemporaries not sure he got lost somewhat because the 49ers didn’t win enough pic.twitter.com/3uwA88NyhO
— kelly Hammond️⚧️️⚧️ (@kellyHammo71824) May 10, 2024
One fan made the case for Johnson being the “best CB ever:”
These are rare highlights because mostly the quarterbacks wouldn’t throw in his vicinity.
In the argument for the best CB ever.— Ed Coghlan (@EdCoghlan) May 10, 2024
When they list the top cornerbacks of all time, I never give those lists any credibility and unless they included his name.
He had a identity and class that I admired as a young football fan— Kurt Nunn (@campgroundbear) May 9, 2024
Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1994, Johnson’s name will go down in the history books as the one of best CBs ever, and his legacy will always be revered and remembered. His legacy will forever be preserved in Canton.