San Francisco 49ers legend and Hall of Famer Jimmie Johnson died Wednesday at the age of 86.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame announced his death, noting that his family said he had been “in declining health for some time.”
The 49ers expressed their condolences as follows:
Johnson played offensively and defensively in college at UCLA before being selected sixth overall in the 1961 NFL Draft by the 49ers. He ultimately played his entire career in San Francisco from his 1961 to his 1976.
He played in 213 regular season games, primarily as a cornerback, and recorded 47 interceptions. Only Ronnie Lott (51) has more interceptions in 49ers history.
Johnson had 34 receptions for 627 yards and four touchdowns while also playing offense in his second season, finishing his career as a five-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro First Team selection.
He was also a member of the NFL's All-Decade Team in the 1970s.
San Francisco retires No. 37 jersey; Cam Inman mercury news He noted that Jerry Rice (238) is the only player in franchise history to have played in more games.
Johnson was an NCAA high hurdles champion and long jumper while with the Bruins, and was the younger brother of former Olympic decathlon champion Rafer Johnson.
In addition to being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1994, Johnson has been inducted into the Fresno Athletic Hall of Fame (1978), the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame (1990), the UCLA Athletic Hall of Fame (1992) and the 49ers Hall of Fame (2009).
“Jimmy Johnson was not only a great football player, but he was also a member of the greatest football community throughout his career,” former 49ers vice president and general manager Joe Thomas said of Johnson's 1977 jersey. He spoke at his retirement ceremony. The NFL doesn't have the utmost respect for him as a player or a person. ”
