Legendary 49ers Hall of Fame cornerback passes away

Jimmy Johnson, perhaps the greatest cornerback in 49ers history, passed away at the age of 86, according to recent announcement.

Pro Football Hall of Fame cornerback Jimmy Johnson has passed away at the age of 86 years old.

The Hall of Fame made the announcement on May 9, a day after Johnson died, and went on to describe the many achievements the legendary defensive back had over the course of his collegiate and professional careers.

Johnson, who spent his entire pro career with the San Francisco 49ers after being selected No. 6 overall in the 1961 NFL Draft, was enshrined into Canton in the 1994 Pro Football Hall of Fame class.

From the excerpt on Johnson's passing:

"Johnson was named All-Pro four consecutive years (1969-1972). He played in three Pro Bowls and was selected to two others that he missed because of injuries. He earned a spot on the NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 1970s.

He won the Pro Football Writers' George Halas Award for courageous play in 1971 (completing the back half of that season with a broken wrist) and twice received the coveted Len Eshmont Award, chosen by 49ers players and given to a teammate who demonstrated inspirational play.

In 1977, the 49ers retired his jersey at “Jimmy Johnson Night at Candlestick Park.”"

The Niners have had plenty of legendary cornerbacks come through their doors, including Richard Sherman and Hall of Famer Deion Sanders.

But none had the impact on the franchise Johnson had.

Over his 16-year career, Johnson played in 213 regular-season games and had a whopping 47 interceptions, which ranks second on San Francisco's all-time list behind another Hall of Famer, defensive back Ronnie Lott (51).

For many younger and even middle-aged 49ers fans, Johnson is one of those players whom many didn't get to see but always pops up on lists of Niners all-time greats.

His memory will live on.

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