"Jimmy Johnson was extraordinarily athletically talented," Pro Football Hall of Fame President Jim Porter said via a statement. "The 49ers enjoyed the luxury of using him on offense and defense early in his career to fill team needs. Once he settled in at left cornerback, he flourished. The notion that a 'lockdown' cornerback could cut the field in half for the opposition was true with Jimmy.
"Only rarely would other teams' quarterbacks even look his direction, and more often than not regretted the decision if they challenged him."
The 49ers selected Johnson out of UCLA in the first round of the 1961 NFL Draft (6th overall). He quickly established himself as one of the premier cornerbacks in the league.
Johnson played in the NFL from 1961 to 1976, spending his entire career with the 49ers. He was a key member of San Francisco's defense during the 1960s and early 1970s. The cornerback was named a starter on the NFL 1970s All-Decade Team.
Johnson retired from the NFL after the 1976 season, finishing his career with 47 interceptions and numerous accolades. He earned five Pro Bowl selections (1969-1972, 1974) and was a four-time first-team All-Pro (1969-1972).
Johnson was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1994 for his outstanding contributions to the game. He is also a member of the Edward J. DeBartolo Sr. San Francisco 49ers Hall of Fame.
"The 49ers family is deeply saddened by the passing of one of the NFL's all-time greats, Jimmy Johnson," the team said via a statement. "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 and his entire family at this difficult time."
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Veteran cornerback turned down lucrative 49ers offer to join Lions
Cornerback Amik Robertson, a fourth-round draft pick by the Las Vegas Raiders in 2020, signed a two-year contract with the Detroit Lions this past offseason. Speaking with the Detroit Free Press, Robertson explained why he felt the Lions were the perfect fit for him. "I wanted... -
49ers mailbag: Why did SF abandon the run against Detroit? Will the 49ers focus on offense or defense this offseason? Will SF replace Nick Sorensen with Robert Saleh?
There are a lot of questions that will follow the San Francisco 49ers into the offseason. Who will get extensions? Who will be let go? What moves will they make in free agency and the draft? And many more. You have questions, as well, and that's a good thing because we opened... -
49ers lock in 11th pick in 2025 NFL Draft
San Francisco's 47-24 loss to Arizona ended the 2024-2025 regular season and finalized their position in the first round of April's NFL Draft. The San Francisco 49ers ended the regular season in less-than-elegant fashion Sunday afternoon at State Farm Stadium, where a... -
49ers TE George Kittle reaches milestone against Lions
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle needed just 33 yards on Monday night to secure his fourth career season with at least 1,000 receiving yards. Kittle reached the milestone in the first quarter against the Detroit Lions, accomplishing it on the play shown...