Jimmy William Johnson is a former professional football player and a football broadcaster. He is famously known for his successful spell with the Dallas Cowboys in the NFL.
Jimmy Johnson enjoyed significant success as a coach in the National Football League. His team won consecutive titles in the NFL championship in 1992 and 1993.
His contributions as a player and coach didn’t go under the radar as he was distinguished as an NFL Hall of Famer. This post unveils Jimmy Johnson’s life, biography, and achievements.
Profile Summary
| Full name | James William Johnson |
| Gender | Male |
| Place of Birth | Port Arthur, Texas |
| Date of Birth | 16 July 1943 |
| Age | 80 years old as of July 2024 |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Height | 5’8″ (1.73m) |
| Weight | 72kg (158.7 lbs) |
| Education | University of Arkansas |
| Profession | Former NFL coach, Current Sports Broadcaster |
| Current team | Retired |
| Universities coached | University of Pittsburgh (Defensive Coach), the University of Miami (Head Coach), the University of Oklahoma (Assistant Coach and later Head Coach), The University of Arkansas (Defensive Coordinator), |
| Professional coaching | Miami Dolphins (Head Coach), Dallas Cowboys (Head Coach) |
| Hall of Fame | Pro Football Hall of Fame |
| Parents | C.W Johnson Jnr. (Father), Allene Johnson (Mother) |
| Marital status | Married |
| Spouse | Rhonda Rookmaaker |
| Children | 2 |
| X (formerly known as Twitter) | @jimmyjohnson |
| @jimmyjohnson4616 | |
| Net worth | $45 million |
Biography
James William Johnson was born on the 16th of July, 1943, in Port Arthur, Texas, USA. He fell in love with football while he was in high school, where he became friends with actor G.W Bailey and music star Janis Joplin.
After graduating high school, he was admitted to the University of Arkansas, where he cemented a place in the institution’s football team. This team, the Razorbacks, enjoyed significant success with Jimmy in the squad.
Jimmy was one of the notable players in the squad, alongside Loyd Phillips, Ken Hatfield, and future Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. Additionally, the team was coached by Frank Broyles, who is widely considered to be one of the best football coaches of all time.
Johnson became a better player Frank Broyles as he followed the coach’s tactical plan. Throughout 1964, the Razorbacks went on an unbeaten streak, becoming an undefeated national champion in the process.
Johnson’s excellent performance and ability to bounce off the ground after being tackled earned him the nickname “Jimmy Jumpup.”
Coaching Career
Jimmy Johnson began his coaching career in 1965 when he was named Louisiana Tech University assistant coach. He was also an assistant coach for a number of teams such as Picayune Memorial High School in Mississippi, Wichita State University, Iowa State University, and the University of Oklahoma, where he was the defensive line head coach.
In 1973, he returned to his boyhood club, where he became the Razorback’s defensive coordinator. Between 1977 and 1978, Jimmy worked as a defensive coordinator and assistant head coach for the University of Pittsburgh. In 1979, he received his first head coaching job with Oklahoma State, where he spent five seasons.
After restructuring the squad, Johnson left for the Miami Dolphins, where he eventually battered his alma mater Razorbacks 51:7. This was widely perceived to be his revenge on his former side after they interviewed him without telling him they had hired another head coach.
Jimmy Johnson began his NFL coaching career with the Dallas Cowboys in 1989. He transformed the team, gave him a new shape, and led them to consecutive Super Bowl victories in 1992 and 1993. However, tensions between Johnson and the team’s owner Jerry Jones made him leave in 1993. Jimmy was given a $2 million bonus when he left the side.
In 1996, he became the Miami Dolphins’ head coach but failed to perform up to expectations. In 1996, he retired from coaching.
After retiring from coaching, Jimmy ventured into the entertainment world. He has worked with a good number of TV networks, including Fox Sports, where he took on the position of an analyst for FOX NFL Sunday.
Jimmy covered college football events such as the Bowl Championship Series for Fox Sports alongside former football stars and broadcasters. He also writes for Foxsports.com.
Jimmy Johnson also transitioned into acting, where he enjoyed significant roles as an actor, getting small roles in films like “Coach” and “The Shield.” Additionally, he landed a cameo role in Adam Sandler’s film titled “The Waterboy.”
Jimmy is renowned for competing in the 2010 edition of “Survivor,” which was held in Nicaragua. As a popular face on TV, Jimmy endorsed various brands in several TV commercials. He has worked for brands like ExtenZe, Procter & Gamble, and an infamous company called Leading Edge, which later turned out to be a scam.
Business Ventures
Jimmy Johnson is known for running several restaurant businesses across many cities in America. He owns the Three Rings Restaurant in Miami and is expanding it to include a second location in Oklahoma City. He also owns a restaurant bar in Key Largo, which he calls JJ’s Big Chill.
Personal Life
Jimmy married Linda Kay Cooper in June 1963 and they had two children (Brent Johnson and Chad Johnson) before their marriage crashed in 1990. After his divorce from Linda, Jimmy married Rhonda Rookmaaker, his second wife, in July 1999.
Jimmy owns several luxurious cars, including models from Lamborghini, BMW, and other vintage automobiles. He resides in a $9.2 million mansion in Plantation Key, Florida.
The house, which features an automatic gate and covers an expansive 3,658 square-foot footprint was constructed in 1993. Additionally, it features a two-car garage, a private pool, three bedrooms, and three bathrooms.
His home in Florida Keys has severely been affected by Hurricane Irma and he has spent a great fortune renovating the house.
Jimmy Johnson’s Salary and Net Worth
Jimmy Johnson’s net worth stands at #45 million. He made most of his wealth from his professional ventures as a player, coach, sportscaster, writer, and actor. Jimmy’s businesses and investments also contribute to his staggering net worth.
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