Jimmy Johnson dead at 86: Tributes pour in for San Francisco 49ers Hall of Famer

San Francisco 49ers legend and NFL Hall-of-Famer Jimmy Johnson has passed away at the age of 86.

Johnson was a first-round pick in the 1961 NFL Draft out of UCLA, and he played his entire 15-year professional career with San Francisco before retiring in 1976.

He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1994.

In a statement on X, the 49ers posted: “The 49ers are saddened to learn of the passing of Jimmy Johnson. Our organization extends its deepest condolences to his family and friends.”

Johnson played wide receiver during his early years in the NFL before moving to cornerback in 1964, where he really earned his reputation.

He was a first-team All-Pro selection four times in his career, a second-team selection four times and was also voted to the league’s All-Decade team for the 1970s.

Johnson wore number 37 for the 49ers, a number since retired by the team in honor of their former player.

His family informed the Pro Football Hall of Fame that he had died Wednesday evening. No cause of death has yet been announced.

More to follow.