49ers legend Jimmy Johnson tragically dies at 86

Johnson was inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1994.

49ers legend Jimmy Johnson tragically dies at 86

Jimmy Johnson (Via Imago)

Legendary San Francisco 49ers cornerback Jimmy Johnson passed away on Wednesday, May 8. Johnson, who starred for the Bay Area franchise for 15 years from 1961 to 1976, was 86 years old at the time of his death.

The Hall of Famer was one of the best players in the team’s long history. After his passing, the president of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Jim Porter, gave his tribute to the legendary player.

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... The professional football world today is celebrating the career of Jimmy Johnson, a versatile and gifted all-around athlete who became a dominant cornerback in the National Football League over 16 seasons, all spent with the San Francisco 49ers.
Jim Porter said

Johnson’s health was in decline for some time. The cause of his death was a lengthy illness.

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Soon after Johnson’s death, the 49ers also released a statement. 

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. He was the ultimate gentleman and will be remembered for his humility, kindness, and loveable demeanor. We send our condolences to his wife, Gisela [Johnson], and his entire family at this difficult time.
San Francisco 49ers’ statement read

A brief history of Jimmy Johnson’s career

Johnson was a Dallas native. After finishing his schooling at Kingsburg High School, he opted to play for the UCLA Bruins. At the peak of his powers in college football, Johnson won a gold medal in the decathlon competition at the 1960 Summer Olympics. He became a part of the Pi Lambda Phi Fraternity.

49ers legend Jimmy Johnson tragically dies at 86
Former San Francisco 49ers cornerback Jimmy Johnson (Image via CBS Sports)

The San Francisco 49ers drafted Jimmy Johnson as the 6th overall pick in 1961. At the defensive back, Johnson was a beast. He played his entire professional football career for the 49ers, registering 47 interceptions for 615 yards, including five in his rookie campaign.

Johnson was the first team All-Pro selection four times (1969–1972) and the second team All-Pro selection four times (1964–1966) and 1968. He also had five Pro Bowl call-ups, along with winning the George Halas Award, and was also part of the 1970 All-Decade team. 

Johnson was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1994. He was also a proud member of the Edward J. DeBartolo Sr. San Francisco 49ers Hall of Fame in 2009.

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