Hall Of Famer, 49ers legend Jimmy Johnson dies; 49ers release statement

Per the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Johnson’s death had been in decline for a while:

“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.

A member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 1994, Johnson died Wednesday evening. He had remained in the San Francisco area after his career and had been in declining health for some time, his family said.”

Johnson was a native of Dallas

Johnson was a native of Dallas, TX. He played at Kingsburgh High School before he played college football at UCLA. He won a gold medal in the decathlon competition at the 1960 Summer Olympics.

Johnson was selected by the 49ers with the No. 6 pick in the first round of the 1961 NFL Draft. At different stages of his career, Johnson played defensive back and wide receiver for the 49ers.

Johnson recorded 47 interceptions and two interception returns for touchdowns on defense. He also recorded 40 receptions for 690 yards and four touchdowns on offense.

Johnson earned eight All-Pro nominations and made the Pro Bowl five times. His No. 37 jersey is retired. In 1994, Johnson was inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Per the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s website, Johnson known as being an extremely gifted athlete:

“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,” Pro Football Hall of Fame President Jim Porter said. “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.”

NFL fans remember Johnson

The 49ers released a statement on Thursday afternoon on the death of Johnson:

The 49ers are saddened to learn of the passing of Jimmy Johnson. Our organization sends its deepest condolences to his family and friends.

NFL fans remembered Johnson on social media. Here are some of the comments.