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Legendary NFL coach and analyst Jimmy Johnson has announced his retirement from Fox Sports, ending a remarkable 31-year tenure with the network. The 81-year-old, who won two Super Bowls with the Dallas Cowboys and a college football national championship with the Miami Hurricanes, shared the news during an appearance on The Herd with Colin Cowherd on Monday.
A Fond Farewell to Fox Sports
Reflecting on his time at Fox, Johnson expressed deep gratitude and nostalgia. “The most fun I ever had in my career, that's counting Super Bowls and national championships, was at Fox Sports,” he said. He praised Fox CEO Eric Shanks and Fox NFL Sunday producer Bill Richards, calling them instrumental to his experience.
However, after years of contemplation, Johnson made the difficult decision to step away. “I've made an extremely difficult decision,” he revealed. “I've been thinking about it for the last four or five years, and I've decided to retire from Fox. I'm going to miss it. I'm going to miss all the guys. I'll see them occasionally. It's been a great run starting 31 years ago.”
Iconic Football Career
He Had a storied history having won back-to-back Super Bowl championships with the Dallas Cowboys in the 1992 and 1993 seasons. He also coached Miami in the 1987 national championship. His coaching career began in 1965 as an assistant at Louisiana Tech, Terry Bradshaw's college. From there, he moved to Oklahoma State and then became head coach at Miami, compiling a record of 52-9.
After his resignation from the Cowboys in 1994, Johnson found his way to Fox in an analyst position for its NFL pregame show. He returned to the field briefly in 1996 to serve as a general manager and head coach of the Miami Dolphins and was back with Fox in 2002.
A Cherished Member of the Fox Family
Fox CEO Eric Shanks paid tribute to Johnson in a heartfelt statement posted on social media. “Jimmy Johnson was there when Fox NFL Sunday came on-air for the first time 31 years ago, and since then has been a cherished member of our Fox Sports family, which makes today's retirement news bittersweet,” Shanks wrote. “Jimmy served as an inspiration to generations of football fans with his legendary swagger, one-of-a-kind insight, and signature humor.”
Johnson’s contributions to Fox NFL Sunday were immense, as he worked alongside hosts Curt Menefee and Terry Bradshaw and analysts Howie Long and Michael Strahan. His unique perspective, charisma, and humor made him a fan favorite and a cornerstone of the show.
A Legacy of Excellence
Johnson’s impact on football extends far beyond his time at Fox. His coaching philosophy and leadership style influenced countless players and coaches, and his success on the field cemented his place in football history. From his early days at Louisiana Tech to his dominance with the Cowboys and Hurricanes, Johnson’s career is a testament to his passion and dedication to the sport.
As he steps away from the spotlight, Johnson leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations of football fans and professionals. While his presence on Fox NFL Sunday will be deeply missed, his contributions to the game and the network will never be forgotten.
What’s Next for Jimmy Johnson?
Though retiring from Fox, Johnson plans to stay connected to the football world and the friends he’s made over the years. “I'll see them occasionally,” he said, hinting at a more relaxed pace of life while still cherishing the relationships he’s built.
As the football community bids farewell to one of its most iconic figures, Jimmy Johnson’s retirement marks the end of an era—but his legacy will endure for years to come.
