San Francisco 49ers legend and Hall of Famer Jimmy Johnson died Wednesday at the age of 86.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame announced his death and noted his family said he was “in declining health for some time.”
The 49ers offered their condolences:
The 49ers are saddened to learn of the passing of Jimmy Johnson. <br><br>Our organization sends its deepest condolences to his family and friends. <a href="https://t.co/9HEXRi7MBw">pic.twitter.com/9HEXRi7MBw</a>
Johnson played offense and defense during his collegiate career at UCLA before the 49ers selected him with the No. 6 overall pick of the 1961 NFL draft. He ended up playing his entire career for San Francisco from 1961 through 1976.
He appeared in 213 regular-season games, primarily as a cornerback, and tallied 47 interceptions. Only Ronnie Lott (51) has more interceptions in 49ers history.
Johnson, who also posted 34 receptions for 627 yards and four touchdowns in his second season while playing some offense, finished his career as a five-time Pro Bowler and three-time first-team All-Pro selection.
He was also a member of the NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 1970s.
San Francisco retired his No. 37 jersey, and Cam Inman of the Mercury News noted Jerry Rice (238) is the only player in franchise history to appear in more games.
Johnson was also a NCAA high-hurdle champion and broad jumper during his time with the Bruins and was the brother of former Olympic decathlon champion Rafer Johnson.
In addition to being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as part of the class of 1994, Johnson was elected to the Fresno Athletic Hall of Fame (1978), Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame (1990), UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame (1992) and 49ers Hall of Fame (2009).
“Jimmy Johnson has not only been a great football player, he has been one of the game’s finest citizens throughout his career,” former 49ers vice president and general manager Joe Thomas said during Johnson’s jersey retirement ceremony in 1977. “There is no one in the NFL who does not have the highest respect for him, both as a player and as a man.”
