Jim Johnson passes away at 68
by JasonB on Jul 28, 2009 6:02 PM EDT
in Philadelphia Eagles News
Email
Print
Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson has passed away after a long fight with melanoma cancer.
Eagles website had this to say.
The Philadelphia Eagles are saddened to announce Jim Johnson has passed away Tuesday afternoon at the age of 68 after a courageous battle with cancer.
A veteran of 22 years as an NFL assistant, Johnson is regarded as one of the top defensive masterminds in National Football League history. Over the last decade, he gained a great deal of praise as the orchestrator of the renowned Eagles defense. His aggressive style kept Philadelphia at or near the top of the NFL in nearly every major defensive category since joining Andy Reid's staff on January 22, 1999.
Johnson is survived by his wife, Vicky, two children, Scott and Michelle, and four grandchildren, Katie, Justin, Brandon, and Jax.
Feel free to leave your thoughts.
148 comments
|
2 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Sad
I knew it was coming- but not this quick. RIP Jim. I loved hearing your news conference- you were always honest. I’ll miss your fierce defense, too.
What a year for Philly sports fans.
Sad day
Sundays won’t be the same….really going to miss him. Rest in peace, JJ.
Send GT Green packing.
Wooooooow
totally unexpected i understand his fight with melanoma i really thought he had more time. but woooooow. Pray for his family. RIP.
To me the Eagles are like that girlfriend that pisses u off, then u hate her, but the next morning you wake up and remember that thing u love so much about her
by XxBleedGreen5xX on Jul 28, 2009 6:05 PM EDT reply actions
RIP
You will be missed.
pe.com says he was 68,
:(
RIP. You’ll be very much missed — not just on the field, but as a person.
RIP
One of the best defensive minds of all time took the next step… The League isn’t any better without him…
The BEast will miss him… Well, on Sundays maybe not…
Viva México! Go Cowboys!
I am absolutely destroyed by this. I guess I just didn’t want to believe it. Mr Johnson was a leader, a genius and a class act in all ways. Condolences to his family, friends and all of Eagles nation. I will never forget his press confrences, and the image of him standing on the sideline and licking his lips. Absolutely gutted.
I'm not ready to move on from #20.
Wow.
R.I.P. to one of the all-time greats. And I mean that sincerely.
Still waiting for the Eagles to Bring It Home For Jerome
R.I.P JJ
www.gogreen4ever.blogspot.com
Go Eagles!
by xADx GoGreen4Ever on Jul 28, 2009 6:15 PM EDT reply actions
RIP
may his soul, the soul of a mastermind, and the best defensive coordinator in history rest in peace. he brought so much to the eagles for so long.. eagles and fans please dedicate this season and its success to a true legend
by froshizzle24 on Jul 28, 2009 6:15 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
RIP JJ
Jim will be sorely missed. A great deal of the Birds success over the past decade can be attributed to Jim Johnson. On field and off this is a big loss.
Oh my gawd!
RIP Jim Johnson, you will truly be missed. One of the best coaches period, to ever coach in the league. Damn, that f..ked up.
it’s another sad day in philadelphia sports, something that has been far too common the past few month’s. RIP JJ
nothin but love J squared
nothin but love
by CoburnsCuddleBuddy on Jul 28, 2009 6:16 PM EDT reply actions
Condolences to the Johnson family
To all the Philadelphia Eagles’ players, coaches, executives, and all the fans of the team.
I always said that when my team was searching for a head coach a few years back that they grabbed the wrong Philadelphia assistant. Jim Johnson was one of the true greats in the NFL coaching ranks. . .always admired the way the man did his job and the way the Philly defense was always ready to play, week in and week out.
RIP, Jim. You’ll be missed by fans both inside the Eagles’ circle and outside.
The Daily Norseman - The greatest Vikings' site on the Internet!
by Christopher Gates on Jul 28, 2009 6:17 PM EDT reply actions
Very sad to hear. As a fan of the NFL in general, you have to respect the way Johnson coached the game – aggressively, passionately, and how he believed it should be played.
Stay strong, Philly fans. R.I.P. Jim Johnson.
Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"Our style is simple but not that easy. Roll up your sleeves and play good, solid football." -- Marv Levy
by Brian Galliford on Jul 28, 2009 6:20 PM EDT reply actions
His legacy
Part of it anyway … the part that can be quantified. Quite impressive.
From the Star-Ledger story:
As the Eagles defensive chief, Johnson’s defense has produced 26 Pro Bowl selections: Brian Dawkins (7), Troy Vincent (5), Jeremiah Trotter (4), Hugh Douglas (3), Lito Sheppard (2), Asante Samuel (1), Trent Cole (1), Michael Lewis (1), Corey Simon (1), and Bobby Taylor (1).
Four of his defensive assistants have gone on to successful careers with other NFL franchises: Steve Spagnuolo (head coach of the St. Louis Rams), John Harbaugh (head coach of the Baltimore Ravens), Ron Rivera (defensive coordinator of the San Diego Chargers) and Leslie Frazier (defensive coordinator of the Minnesota Vikings).
This means we have to win a Super Bowl for/without Dawkins AND JJ? Oh boy.
Still waiting for the Eagles to Bring It Home For Jerome
A HUGE loss....
Not just as a coach, but as a man. JJ you will be greatly missed. Safe journey my man…..
"When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace." Jimi Hendrix
by philly420pdxhilo on Jul 28, 2009 6:24 PM EDT reply actions
Eagle Nation Mourns
May you be at peace forever after
The SB this year will be for JJ- he inspires in life and will inspire in death…..
:-((
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!
That was about the only thing in my mind when i heard about this..
I really wish his family well and for him to definitely RIP. Man, this is definitely hard to swallow…
yeah i couldnt belive that
they spent a half hour talking about favre over and over and over again but didnt even mention this, except for it being constantly on the ticker
"You always hear about ballplayers buying numbers from other players for five figures. When this .300 lifetime hitter was in Philly, he traded his number to Mitch Williams for two cases of beer." - Stuff Magazine on John Kruk
Also
I’m not sure it broke before 5:30 or 6. Give them some time.
Not that I want to be seen defending ESPN
Still waiting for the Eagles to Bring It Home For Jerome
true
you gotta give it some time.
They got Rachel Nichols on Farve’s lawn for god’s sake.
I don’t know when news broke on JJ, but it wasn’t even on PTI and usually they got up to date stuff.
by FreeBradshaw on Jul 28, 2009 6:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Sorry
Not that I can (or should) apologize for ESPN, but your story is way bigger and more important than ours is.
The Daily Norseman - The greatest Vikings' site on the Internet!
by Christopher Gates on Jul 28, 2009 6:57 PM EDT up reply actions
RIP JJ
hated facing those D’s on Sunday, but I always loved watching the struggle of going against it. I always knew that if my team won against a JJ coached defense I knew I was beating one of the best ever.
One of the great minds the NFL has ever known, RIP JJ.
RIP Jim, you will be missed
i didnt think it would come this soon but when they promoted mcD i knew something was up.
greatest condolences to your family and friends, you were always a class act
"You always hear about ballplayers buying numbers from other players for five figures. When this .300 lifetime hitter was in Philly, he traded his number to Mitch Williams for two cases of beer." - Stuff Magazine on John Kruk
My condolences...
Jim Johnson was a great coach and from what I could tell, a great man.
His passing has come too soon. The NFL has lost a great one.
by Eric The Viking on Jul 28, 2009 6:31 PM EDT reply actions
God Bless You JJ.
"You don't EVEN KNOW who Nick Markakis is"- .....My 4 year old daughter to another kid.
"I'm a Country Boy"- ......Alan Jackson
Your quite welcome
As I said below, even though some people, especially on Sundays might take it a little too seriously, and say nasty things about a team and its fans, football is just a game. A game that gives us great joy, But this is life, and that is simply when you throw team loyalty aside to pay respect.
We all make mistakes in life. That takes nothing away from the good we've done in the time we were here. Thanks Steve Mcnair For Everything 1973-2009
Holy cow….
All was quiet on the JJ front recently, so I assumed he was winning the battle against his cancer. This came as a total shock to me, since I envisioned (and still do) him as such a resilient fighter. Not only has Jim Johnson given us many great years as fans, but he WAS our defense. Everything our defense has embodied for the last decade – toughness, stubornness, integrity – has come through JJ’s own persona. RIP buddy, you were a one-of-a-kind genius.
"THIS IS NOT COLLEGE NO MORE. THIS IS THE BIG MAN SPORT." ~Crazy Lady on BGN forums
It’s sad. I had just finished writing a story about how there were reports that JJ was nearing the end and that Andy Reid had just went to visit him… Then just as I was about publish, I hear the news that he died.
publish it
i’m sure we all wouldn’t mind reading it
by sports00fan00 on Jul 29, 2009 10:24 AM EDT up reply actions
We'll miss you sir.
Eagles nation won’t be the same. Best wishes to his family. The NFL and the Eagles in particular took a big loss today. :(
Wow… I’ll admit in the back of my mind I figured JJ would be back to consult on the team even if he couldn’t be the DC again. Such a great man will be missed… his genius was second to none. Not only building a great defense, but one that was probably the most fun to watch as well.
We’ll all miss you Mr. Johnson
Regrets from all the Bears fans out there
When I played I was a triple threat.... Stumble.... Fumble.....Grumble....
R.I.P JJ
Goes to show you that life is really short. Live your life, enjoy what time you do get.
I thank JJ for many many great memories, I will preach to my children about him. He is a Philadelphia legend.
Nothing more to say. He will be missed.
R.I.P. from a Giants fan
He was a great coach and his legacy will continue to grow with the success of his pupils.
Thoughts and prayers to the Johnson family.
"I'll probably go get lifted right now with Greg. Hey, and come back tomorrow and try to get another win."
-Renaldo
Condolences
To his family, the Eagles organization and their fans.
What a tragic end to one of the most under appreciated defensive minds of the last half century. He was pure class, and this is sad day for the entire league.
Rest In Peace JJ
You will be missed on and off the field, at least your pain and suffering are gone. Fly JJ Fly.
by cool-rockin-daddy on Jul 28, 2009 6:49 PM EDT reply actions
Bills Fan here.....
wanted to send my regards to you Eagle fans, the organization and his family…..
It was a honor to have been able to watch Coach JJ’s Defense for many years……He was a great football coach and Im sure a wonderful man.
Godspeed Nick - RIP - 1986-2009
by norcaliangelsfan on Jul 28, 2009 6:51 PM EDT reply actions
To non-Eagles fan here
Thanks for dropping by and paying your respects. Very classy of you guys.
Moo.
Colts fan here
We were lucky enough to have first hand experience of what a great coach and a man Jim Johnson was. Our thoughts go out to his family and to Eagles fans.
My heart literally sank
when i heard this news. It’s very surreal to me right now. He always made the eagles defense exciting to watch and was one of the reasons i bacame a fan of the eagles in the first place. God Bless his family… RIP JJ
Representing CANADA eh?
dang man sad day
i loved the way he went about things man if there was one thing you was sure about it was that jj would have the eagles ready to
RIP jj
As a Viking fan...
i have not known grown to like the eagles too much over the past years due to the constant beatings the Vikings have received from them especially in the playoffs. But today is a very sad day for eagles fans and the nfl, with everything that has been going on with Favre, Vick, and Burress, this story may be overlooked, but i want to express my deepest condolences to the Eagles and the Johnson family. May he rest in peace.
LAKERS!!!!!!!!!!
Another Giants Fan
Eagle Nation…. sorry for your loss. I will always remember the fierce defenses that Jim Johnson threw at us and the class and respect he showed as a man. He was a great coach and great example for the NFL and he will be sorely missed. My condolences to the Johnson family and the Eagle fans.
A Cowboys fan
It’s a sad day for Eagles Nation, but maybe a worse day for the NFL. We have all lost a brilliant coach and a great man. I can’t think of an opposing coach I respected more.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
You'll be missed JJ!
I’m really shocked by this. i had no idea that it was this bad…
RIP
There is a really good memorial vid over at PE.com in the multimedia section. Fittingly narrorated by Merrill Reese
8 games in 8-0 we goin.
RIP
from a finz fan
Head Cheerleader of the official Matty I Fan Club
"Forgiveness is between them and God. It's my job to arrange the meeting."- Man on Fire
by Davone_Is_BessT on Jul 28, 2009 7:03 PM EDT reply actions
Press Conference at 7:30
Andy Reid and Joe Banner are giving a press conference from training camp at 7:30. You can watch it on the Eagles home page.
by Annapolis Eagle on Jul 28, 2009 7:05 PM EDT reply actions
So strange to hear Andy Reid talk in such a loose manner, as opposed to his usual reserved self during the football season.
"THIS IS NOT COLLEGE NO MORE. THIS IS THE BIG MAN SPORT." ~Crazy Lady on BGN forums
by southjersey89 on Jul 28, 2009 7:42 PM EDT up reply actions
RIP Coach JJ
You will be soarly missed, We loved you here in Philly and you were respected by all. Thank you for an amazing tenure and all of the memories that came along with it. condolences to the family and loved ones. This is truly a sad day for Philly, and Football
Seventy-one percent of the world is covered by water, the rest is covered by Brian Dawkins
As a Ravens Fan living in Chesco..
In the middle of Eagles area here in Chester County,I get to see a lot of eagles games. I may not like the team, but I’ve always respected his defense. He seemed like a very decent man, I t was so sad to hear just now that he passed..So Sorry to hear of your loss Eagles fans. My deepest condolonces.
One thought though, the positive that comes out of this is that it brings together everyone from all teams, even those we don’t like as humans to share in the loss of a great man. Many eagles(and giants and cowboys etc) fans came over to the Ravens and Titans blog when Mcnair died a few weeks ago, and that meant a lot to me and the Ravens and Titans fans. i certainly hope it does the same for you eagles fans as well as I read the thoughts of many other teams fans pouring in here.. RIP Jim. Football will greatly miss you.
We all make mistakes in life. That takes nothing away from the good we've done in the time we were here. Thanks Steve Mcnair For Everything 1973-2009
Great line Jason
nice photo
We all make mistakes in life. That takes nothing away from the good we've done in the time we were here. Thanks Steve Mcnair For Everything 1973-2009
RIP
By all accounts a class act, I’m saddened to see Jim Johnson go so soon. I’ve always been so impressed by the way his defenses played on the field, and he will definitely be sorely missed. I’m sure the Eagles will honor him this season with a “JJ” on their helmets or jerseys, and they should. Goodbye, Jim Johnson.
Rip jj
You will be missed and we will not forget your defensive schemes that have led our eagles to victories for so many years and a stand out respectable man
by worldphuckinchamps on Jul 28, 2009 7:10 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Goodbye to one of the greastest
Damn man it was too soon for you JJ. I just he was going to make a comeback but I guess god had more in store for him. Rest in peace Jim Johnson, may you guide us from the heavens above.
by birdsflyinhigh2590 on Jul 28, 2009 7:10 PM EDT reply actions
Wow
what a horrible day … years from now OCs will still be trying to figure out JJs schemes. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to see him for so long and am extremely saddened by this.
"The 0-2 pitch, swing and a miss! STRUCK HIM OUT! The Philadelphia Phillies are 2008 World Champions of baseball! And let the city celebrate! " - Harry Kalas 1936-2009
RIP
Our thoughts and condolensces go out to your family. You were never taken for granted and you will be missed on so many levels.
What a shame
Today’s NFL probably won’t allow it, but if there’s ever a time to bring back that black stripe like we did in 1989 (after our QB coach died), now is it.
RIP, JJ!
Looking Mean in Kelly Green
I figured as much
It will probably be that standard white circle, with JJ written in black. I don’t think the NFL would let a team do something like we did back in 89.
Truthfully, what does it matter I guess. As long as we honor the man.
Looking Mean in Kelly Green
by goodfella46er on Jul 28, 2009 7:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Raiders fan...
But I really enjoyed watching the Eagles’ defense whenever I could watch a glimpse of their games. Really enjoyed watching those creative schemes from JJ. I’m not an Eagles fan, but I still root for them anyway just because of their tenacious defense. Rest in peace, Jim Johnson. I hope the Eagles play their hearts out for him.
Vikings fan
I just wanted to send my condolences to the Eagles organization, it’s fans, and Jim Johnson’s family. He was one of the great coaches in the league, and will be missed dearly.
RIP Jim, you will not be soon forgotten
Son, when you participate in sporting events, it's not whether you win or lose: it's how drunk you get. ~Homer Simpson
by thewild_viking_twins on Jul 28, 2009 7:29 PM EDT reply actions
Cowboys fan here
But also a huge Jim Johnson fan, always have been. He was a thorn in our team’s side for a decade. I loved how he was so low-key, he was truly Old School. Never brought attention to himself, when he had every right to.
I have read several comments about how people enjoyed his press conferences. I’ve never seen one, is there somewhere online where I can watch?
Anyway, today a husband, father and grandfather passed on. That’s his true legacy.
I lost a great friend
and mentor to cancer just 8 days ago. Now JJ. My thoughts and prayers to his whole family. Thanks JJ for some wonderful moments.
by Wyoming Eagles Fan on Jul 28, 2009 7:40 PM EDT reply actions
Rest in peace Jim Johnson
You were a visionary and a true genius in the game you loved so much. The game isn’t the same without you.
My thoughts are with the Johnson family.
"We are not normal, We are Legends. People will tell their kids about us." - Deon Butler before Ohio State Game 2008.
Very sad
My thoughts are with everyone in Bleeding Green Nation.
Blogger at SBNation's Patriots blog, Pats Pulpit
R.I.P. Jim Johnson
From a 49ers fan, Jim Johnson will be missed. My thoughts are with everyone in Bleeding Green Nation.
Condolences
From myself and all of Steeler Nation.
The NFL lost a great mind
This is not time for individual teams, the NFL is lessened today. His loyalty with sticking with his franchise for so long was exemplary, and as someone said earlier, like any good teacher his legacy resides with the success of his pupils.
Homer: Aw, twenty dollars! I wanted a peanut!
Homer's Brain: Twenty dollars can buy many peanuts!
Homer: Explain how!
Homer's Brain: Money can be exchanged for goods and services!
Homer: Woo-hoo!
by bigbluethruandthru on Jul 28, 2009 8:09 PM EDT reply actions
Sad Day
I’m a lifelong Cowboy fan and I have to say Jim Johnson made me pop more antacid tablets then I care to admit. He was a great coordinator and from what I understand an even greater individual.
Rest in peace.
Condolences from Cowboy Nation.
RIP Jim...
…and an impressive showing from the fans of other teams (tipping my cap).
The offensive coordinators up in heaven are furiously adding “max-protect” packages to their playbooks.
You’ll be missed, JJ.
by JimmyK on Jul 28, 2009 8:13 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Condolences from another Cowboy fan.
Jim Johnson was a warrior. I hope that his family, friends and fans find strength to deal with his loss. God bless.
"He has a peculiar felicity of expression." John Adams
RIP
I just pray that the Lord will give not only the Johnson family, but my fellow Eagles brethren and all of the NFL comfort, grace, and closure as we mourn.
JJ was the man.
Rest in Peace. No more pain anymore.
"Want a donut go to dunkin donuts, want a linebacker go to Penn State."
- Cris Carter, NFL Draft, 4/25/09
JJ
RIP Jim
I’ll miss the great defenses but what I’ll miss most was the way he always told it like it was to the media and WIP. It was always refreshing to hear Jim Johnson speak, particularly so since all we get from Andy Reid is a variation of Orwell’s newspeak.
OMG... another philly sports great...
RIP JJ… our thoughts & prayers are with your family…
you will be sorely missed… TY to other team fans for your kind words, the NFL has lost a great defensive mind today! no way that vick & favre should be topping this
Philly sports has alot to accomplish this year – The Eagles only have 1 choice – win the SB for JJ (and do it without BDawk) and The Phils have to repeat for HK
Fly Eagles Fly! Fly JJ Fly!
Rest in Peace coach
My Godfather had the same cancer as coach Johnson. I saw first hand what it is capable of. Im glad he isnt feeling the pain anymore and my thoughts and prayers are with his family. I hope that they too can get past the pain soon. Rest in peace Jim. You are and will continue to be missed.
I will always be pulling for you #20.
April 20, 1996 - February 28, 2009
My condolences, Eagles fans
This guy was an awesome football mind and a great coach. He’s be Exhibit A of coordinators who should be in the Hall of Fame.
—A Chiefs Fan
Ugh
I just heard this news. Devastating. I guess I still held out hope he could get better. A terrible, terrible day for Eagles fans.
I did too. I didn’t want to believe the news about his passing when I first heard it. Johnson will be irreplaceable.
I thought he had more time i feel for his family.
by djack on Jul 28, 2009 11:39 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
the best
He represented everything I loved about the Eagles and football.
www.okupy.com
Hey Eagle fans, just wishing to share my condolences
I was a big Jim Johnson fan, and he never let his illness take the game from him. My thoughts go out to Eagle fans
I just finished This over at BTSC…
Stay strong guys…RIP Johnson
Bleeding Black and Gold.....forever
by Michael Hewitt on Jul 28, 2009 10:40 PM EDT reply actions
Another Steeler fan offering condolenes
I enjoyed watching Eagles Defenses they would just blitz from all angles I also have a memoral for JJ… RIP Johnson
http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2009/7/28/967078/jim-johnson-passes-away-at-age-68
Rest in peace. As a lifelong Cowboy fan I can honestly say
I have never seen the Cowboys up against a better defense than the ones JJ put on the field. Much respect to him, condolences to his family, friends, and the entire Eagles nation.
Rip we love u
Jim i no you r reading all the posts right now i just want to add own touch. Your defenses showed how to play the philly way tough, fast, hard, physical and most of all always win. I always loved watching you defenses play. He way you coached and lived is an inspirariton to all. I only hope tue sean will be half the coach you were. Now you go talk football witu vince lambardy and all the other football greats in heaven.
by djack on Jul 28, 2009 11:36 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
A Sad, Sad day for us.....
…..but what a great day for Jim Johnson. He’s with the Lord in eternal glory, no more pain and suffering. Celebrate a great life, a life that touched so many people, whether you were family, student, player, or fan.
What’s the chance he’s scheming with Reggie White, Jerome Brown and Andre Waters as we speak for a blitz that’s never been seen before, in heaven or on earth!
Prayers and heart felt condolences to the Johnson Family
"Dig In....Hit Hard"
by TexasLax on Jul 28, 2009 11:36 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
My heart sank when I read the reports. There will never be another coach like Jim Johnson. It really says something not only about him as a coach, but him as a person, when arch-rivals from around the league are brought together to respectfully mourn his passing. Rest in peace, JJ. You will be sorely missed.
RIP coming from a Cowboys fan....
What a great DC Johnson was. He gave us fits for years…I think I can speak for most, if not for everyone at Blogging the Boys we were shocked and saddend to hear the news. I for one thought he was recovering from skin Cancer, then learn he had a tumor on his spine he was battling.
Jim Johnson Memory
One of the many times he had done something I’d honestly never seen before:
Brian posted something on your Wall and wrote:
“I know you and I will never forget watching the ’01 NFC title game in St. Louis, and watching Johnson blitz both CBs. It still amazes me the sac it took to do such a thing vs. The Greatest Show on Turf… looks like we will need to raise a glass to Jim Johnson.”
Still waiting for the Eagles to Bring It Home For Jerome
There's men
There’s warrior’s, there’s saints, and then there’s Mr. Jim Johnson. A man who was true to himself and everyone around them. Who put his heart and soul into everything he loved and believed in whether it was his unstoppable blitz packages, his faith in the Philly players and fans, or the love and care of his family. We lost a coordinator, a coach, but more importantly we lost a friend. A loved one throughout the city of Philadelphia. Thank you, Jim. For all that you gave the fans, the players, the NFL, and your family. R.I.P Mr. Johnson. You will be deeply missed by everyone who knew your name. God Bless.
This news hurts.
I don’t know what to say. I’d love to win one for Jim. I’m also floored by the amount of non-Eagles who took the time to express their sincere condolences. Good stuff. It helps to know others care outside of the Eagles family.
Eagles.
by #1EaglesFan on Jul 29, 2009 3:19 AM EDT reply actions
R.I.P JJ
"When you get that nice celebration coming into the dugout and you’re getting your ass hammered by guys — there’s no better feeling than to have that done." Matt Stairs
Truly a very sad day
There was a nice tribute to Jim Johnson on the Eagles website. What really humanizes it is the shot in that video of him walking off the field after the NFC Championship win with his wife under his arm along side his kids. While we as Eagles fans feel the loss, it’s really Jim’s friends and family that really experience the pain of this loss. My sincerest condolences to all of Jim’s friends and family.
Sometimes it's just fun to take the family for a spin around the lake in the old boat. Even if it's not your family or your boat, and they're screaming for you to stop.
by Baron Dainer Von Tresvant on Jul 29, 2009 8:50 AM EDT reply actions
RIP Jim Johnson
Packers fan stopping by to pay respects. His defenses were always some of the toughest we’ve ever played. My thoughts are with you
Frye is honestly gotta be one of the top 10 3rd Stringers in all of the NFL right now--colbyb
My condolences to the Johnson family and all Eagles fans.
From a Dolphins fan.
JJ was one of the best DC’s this game has ever seen. My wife is a huge Cowboys fan and so I was able to see many Eagles games, and I was always amazed at the creativity and effectiveness of the Eagles D. The schemes Johnson came up with were just simplly amazing. This is a sad day for the NFL, they have lost one of the greats.
RIP Jim Johnson.
"Why don't you put that in a memo and entitle it 'Shit I Already Know'!" - Sarge from Red vs. Blue
9 "Phinsider Feud" Points
From a Giants fan
We all know that the defense created by Jim Johnson won the SuperBowl for the Gmen so I’d like to thank Mr. Johnson being the impetus of that great memory in NYC and my life.
My condolences to the Johnson family and his Eagle family.
We can all stand united against cancer by contributing to cancer research and prevention. It has taken far too many before their time.
He elevated the game
I’m truly grateful to see the comments here from Eagles fans and rivals alike recognizing the greatness of the man. The NFC East is one of the most competitive divisions in the league, largely due to the great rivalries between the teams. JJ’s defenses pushed our opponents to need to reach for new heights to beat us. I think we can all agree that a victory is much sweeter when you have to “earn it” and Jim made sure that no Eagle’s opponents ever walked away from such a victory w/o thinking “we worked for that one”.
Condolences to all who knew and respected the man.
by knightmare1966 on Jul 29, 2009 10:37 AM EDT reply actions
so sorry
From all the Giant fans we are all so sorry to hear the horrible news.
RIP JJ
Your coaching has ment so much to me over the years. There were times where I had nothing left took look forward to than eagles football and you encompassed that. It wont ever be the same with out watching you out there dialing up the blitz. You were a great coach and a great man. You will be missed.
Let's get it.
Sad
I’ve been swamped with work and what not and haven’t posted in a while, but damn. This is such sad news.
Thanks for the memories, JJ. RIP
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Bleeding Green Nation
Related FanShots on Bleeding Green Nation
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
