A Legendary Career Comes to an End
Following a legendary head coaching career in which he won a college football national championship and two Super Bowls, Jimmy Johnson has been a staple of Fox’s NFL coverage for decades. On March 3, 2025, the Pro Football Hall of Famer announced that the 2024 NFL season was his last as an on-camera analyst for Fox Sports. Johnson was part of "Fox NFL Sunday" when it first aired and has remained a beloved and integral part of the team ever since. At 81 years old, Johnson made his retirement official on "The Herd" with Colin Cowherd, expressing his gratitude to the Fox family and sharing his plans to step away from the camera. His decision, though difficult, was one he had been contemplating for several years, and he is proud of the incredible run he had with the network.
A Journey Through Football and Broadcasting
Johnson’s journey in football is a vivid tapestry of success and acclaim. He began his career as a player and quickly transitioned into coaching, leading Oklahoma State and the University of Miami to significant victories. His most notable achievements, however, came with the Dallas Cowboys. As the head coach, Johnson guided the team to back-to-back Super Bowl championships in 1992 and 1993. With a roster of superstars like Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, and Michael Irvin, the Cowboys won their third and fourth titles in franchise history. Despite his success, tensions with owner Jerry Jones led to Johnson’s departure from the team in 1994. After a brief hiatus, Johnson returned to coaching with the Miami Dolphins from 1996 to 1999, though the team’s performance was less stellar, and he resigned following the 1999 season.
An Iconic Presence on Fox
Johnson’s transition to broadcasting was seamless, and he quickly became a fan favorite on Fox Sports. His unique sayings and catchphrases, such as "How ’bout them Cowboys?," have become part of NFL lore. Johnson’s career with Fox was marked by moments of both humor and passion, none more memorable than his heated halftime message to the Cowboys during the 2024 playoffs, where he criticized the team’s performance with such intensity that even co-host Michael Strahan seemed ready to run through a brick wall. Johnson’s authenticity and deep love for the game made him a standout analyst, and his presence on "Fox NFL Sunday" will be sorely missed.
A Hall of Fame Induction and a Well-Deserved Retirement
In 2020, Johnson was surprised during a "Fox NFL Sunday" broadcast with his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. This moment, captured on national television, was a fitting tribute to his storied career. Despite some past tensions with the Cowboys, Johnson was inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2023, a testament to his enduring legacy. Johnson’s retirement from Fox Sports marks the end of a 31-year journey with the network, and his contributions to both coaching and broadcasting have left an indelible mark on the sport. Fox Sports CEO and executive producer Eric Shanks praised Johnson’s "legendary swagger, one-of-a-kind insight, and signature humor," and wished him the best as he sets sail into retirement.
A Legacy of Laughter and Friendship
The reactions to Johnson’s retirement from around the NFL were filled with admiration and affection. Michael Strahan, his longtime co-host, expressed his deep friendship with Johnson, sharing memories of 17 seasons filled with laughter and fun. Robert Griffin III highlighted Johnson’s passion and love for the game, noting his ability to celebrate the sport while providing insightful and critical analysis. Jay Glazer, another long-time colleague, recalled the joy of sharing the "Avocado Room" with Johnson and the countless laughs they shared. Rachel Nichols, among others, praised Johnson as a "legend" who will be missed by fans and colleagues alike.
The Legacy Continues
Jimmy Johnson’s net worth of an estimated $45 million is a testament to his successful career in both coaching and broadcasting. His retirement marks the end of an era, but his legacy will live on in the hearts of football fans and the memories he created on and off the field. Johnson’s unique blend of charisma, insight, and humor has made him a beloved figure in the sports world, and his retirement from Fox Sports is a bittersweet moment for all who have followed his incredible journey. As he embarks on this new chapter, his friends and fans wish him the best, knowing that his passion for the game will always be a part of his legacy.
