The San Francisco 49ers are saddened by the death of a legendary franchise player.
Jimmy Johnson, a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 1994, passed away earlier this week according to a statement from the Hall of Fame. He was 86 years old.
“Jimmy Johnson was extraordinarily athletically talented,” Hall of Fame President Jim Porter said a statement on Thursday. “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.”
After the news of his death emerged, the 49ers took to social media with a message for the former star player.
“The 49ers are saddened to learn of the passing of Jimmy Johnson. Our organization sends its deepest condolences to his family and friends,” the team said.
The 49ers are saddened to learn of the passing of Jimmy Johnson.
Our organization sends its deepest condolences to his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/9HEXRi7MBw
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) May 9, 2024
Johnson played his entire 16-year career with the 49ers as a versatile player lining up at corner, wide receiver and safety from the 1961 season through the 1976 campaign.
Johnson racked up 47 career interceptions in 213 games, with 615 return yards. He also logged 40 receptions for 690 yards and four touchdowns in two seasons as a wide receiver.
During his illustrious career he racked up five Pro Bowls, was a three-time First-Team All-Pro and earned a spot on the Hall of Fame’s All-Decade Team of the 1970’s.
He was later inducted into the 49ers Hall of Fame and his No. 37 jersey was retired by the team.