The Pro Football Hall of Fame has announced the passing of former San Francisco 49ers cornerback Jimmy Johnson at the age of 86.


"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."

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