The football world is mourning the loss of San Francisco 49ers Hall of Fame cornerback Jimmy Johnson, who passed away on Wednesday at the age of 86.
The news of Johnson’s death, however, appears to have caused some confusion, with some mistaking him for the 80-year-old Hall of Fame head coach who happens to share the same name.
But lest you fear that the former Dallas Cowboys and Miami Dolphins head coach was the one who passed away, Johnson has confirmed that he is very much still alive. Taking to X, the NFL on Fox analyst paid his respects to the departed cornerback, while also noting that he hasn’t gone anywhere.
Jimmy Johnson HOF DB from 49ers passed away at age of 86…RIP,” Johnson wrote. “Jimmy Johnson HOF from Dallas Cowboys & FOX still kicking…”
Jimmy Johnson HOF DB from 49ers passed away at age of 86…RIP..Jimmy Johnson HOF from Dallas Cowboys & FOX still kicking…
— Jimmy Johnson (@JimmyJohnson) May 10, 2024
Good to know!
As for the original Jimmy Johnson in question, the NFL and the 49ers have spent the past couple of days paying tribute to the eight-time All-Pro selection. In a statement, the 49ers said:
“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.”
Meanwhile, Pro Football Hall of Fame president Jim Porter added:
“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. 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.”
About Ben Axelrod
Ben Axelrod is a veteran of the sports media landscape, having most recently worked for NBC's Cleveland affiliate, WKYC. Prior to his time in Cleveland, he covered Ohio State football and the Big Ten for outlets including Cox Media Group, Bleacher Report, Scout and Rivals.