Jimmy Johnson, one of the best cornerbacks in both 49ers and NFL history, passed away Wednesday night at age 86, the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced.
Johnson played 16 seasons with the 49ers as their top draft pick in 1961, at No. 6 overall. His jersey (N o. 37) is among a dozen retired by the franchise.
Only John Brodie played more seasons (17) with the 49ers than Johnson, whose tenure lasted as long as that of Jerry Rice, the only player in 49ers history to appear in more games (238 for Rice, 213 for Johnson).
He was enshrined 30 years ago into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, whose president, Jim Porter, issued the following statement: “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,” Porter added. “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.”
Johnson made AP First-Team All-Pro three consecutive years, from 1970-71, while also making the Pro Bowl in those seasons, as well as in 1969 and 1974, primarily as the 49ers’ left cornerback.
Johnson recorded 47 interceptions in his 49ers’ career. He also scored two touchdowns, recovered seven fumbles, forced a fumble and had a safety.
A two-way standout out on UCLA’s football team (as well as a NCAA high-hurdle champion and broad jumper), Johnson did see some action on the 49ers offense, though a broken wrist prior to his rookie training camp delayed that aspect. He had 34 receptions for 627 yards and four touchdowns in his second season, highlighted by an 80-yard touchdown against the Chicago Bears and a 181-yard outing against the Detroit Lions.
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Johnson twice receiving the 49ers’ most prestigious honor, the Len Eshmont Award, for his courageous and inspirational play, winning it in 1969 and 1975.