Former 49ers Hall of Fame defensive back Jimmy Johnson, who was named the first-string cornerback on the NFL’s 1970 All-Decade Team, passed away this week at the age of 86.
Johnson was born in Dallas and raised in Kingsburg, California. After graduating from high school, Jimmy attended the University of California, Los Angeles. During his time at UCLA, Johnson won the NCAA 110-meter hurdles championship and was named an All-American in track and field.
In addition to his success in track and field, Johnson also played for the UCLA Bruins football team as a wingback and defensive back. In 1959 and 1960, Johnson totaled 812 yards from scrimmage.
Johnson was selected with the sixth overall pick in the 1961 NFL draft. As a rookie, Johnson appeared in 12 games for the 49ers, playing as a cornerback. He finished the season with five interceptions and 116 return yards.
In 1962, Jimmy was switched to wide receiver, where he caught 34 passes for 626 yards and four touchdowns. His most productive performance as a wide receiver was against the Detroit Lions, where he caught 11 passes for 181 yards. Duringthe same season, Johnson also caught an eighty-yard game-winning touchdown pass, which was the longest scoring pass in 49ers history at that time.
The 49ers organization released a statement following the passing of their former star player.
“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 and his entire family at this difficult time.”
Touchdown Wire
Throughout his 16-year NFL career, Johnson compiled 47 interceptions, 615 return yards, and two touchdowns as a cornerback, as well as 40 receptions, 690 receiving yards, and four receiving touchdowns. Johnson was selected to theFirst Team All-Pro four times, attended five Pro Bowls, had his number 37 retired by the 49ers, and was chosen to join the San Francisco 49ers Hall of Fame.
Rest in peace!
