On a day when a certain still-retired quarterback made news with a capital N, the passing of former Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson brought the football community some perspective and sadness.
The tributes to Johnson began pouring in as soon as the news of his death spread to all those he touched during his years in the NFL, which included two as a player.
“For ten years, Jim Johnson was an exceptional coach for the Philadelphia Eagles, but more importantly, he was an outstanding human being,” said Eagles Chairman Jeffrey Lurie.
“As an integral part of the Eagles family, Jim epitomized the traits of what a great coach should be – a teacher, a leader, and a winner. He positively touched the lives of so many people in and out of the Eagles organization. It was easy to feel close to him. Our hearts go out to his wife, Vicky and his wonderful family. We will miss him greatly.”
Others who worked with and for Johnson spoke about what he meant to them.
Steve Spagnuolo, now coach of the Rams: “Jim meant the world to me personally and professionally. I am very blessed to have had the priviledge to work for him and with him. The NFL has lost a good man.”
John Harbaugh, now coach of the Ravens: “I loved Jim Johnson. . . . He had a special ability to bring about the best in people while getting you to see the best in yourself. He saw potential and developed it. He made believe I could coach at this level.
“In football, he was a pioneering and brilliant strategist, changing the way defense is played in the NFL. For me, he was a father-type mentor, and above all, a cherished friend. He belongs in the Hall of Fame. I will miss him so much.
Commissioner Roger Goodell: “Jim Johnson was a beloved coach who spent 22 years in the NFL as one of the
best defensive coaches in league history. He was a teacher to many players both
on and off the field and devoted his life to the game of football.
“He had a
positive influence on scores of young men and leaves behind a wonderful legacy.”
Brian Dawkins: “This is a sad, sad day for myself and my Philadelphia family. Jim was
tailor-made to coach in Philadelphia. He was a tough coach who wasn’t afraid to
let you know how he was feeling, but at the same time, he cared about us deeply.”
More tributes pour in by the minute, and it’s possible the Eagles will recognize Johnson later in some official capacity.
The loss is reminiscent of when popular Eagles defender Jerome Brown passed away a month before training camp in 1992. The life circumstances of the two are obviously vastly different, but both were known as the heart and soul of a proud defense.
There was a popular saying during the ’92 season: “Bring it home for Jerome.”
Those Eagles weren’t able to win a title, but the 2009 version may be similarly motivated for a long playoff run in Johnson’s honor.
Any gain the Eagles made on offense this offseason (reconstituted line, maclin, McCoy, Celek emerging) will be offset by severe setbacks on the D.
They’ve lost their chief architect in Johnson and their spiritual leader in Dawkins.
Gunna be tough. No lie.
Baruch Dayan HaEmet. Rest in peace Jim.
The media asked Reid if they had a tribute planned. He said it was discussed and they’ll finalize something in the near future.
God Bless and may peace be with him and his family.
SprintPhoneFTW, losing JJ is tough no doubt, but I wouldn’t say it erases all the positive strides the Eagles have made this offseason.
If I recall correctly, Spags and Harbaugh have done pretty well for themselves since leaving JJ’s tutelage, and I expect McDermott to do as well.
Finally, rest in peace, Jim. You gave a lot to this city and we will always love you for it.
From a Cowboys Fan:
JJ you kicked our ass for 10 years. You deserve and have all my respect. God bless your family and thank you for your great contribution to the NFL
Win one for the Gipper this year boys…
My prayers to Jim Johnson and his family. It’ll be weird not to see him on the Eagles sideline every Sunday. RIP
He will be missed…
RIP
Class all the way.
Rest In Peace.
It’s a shame. He was quite a defensive innovator, and lets not forget when his defensive genius was demonstrated on national TV. He laid out the blueprint on how to derail the Patriots record setting juggernaut in 2007. Even though the Eagles eventually lost that game, he showed the world how to get to Brady, a plan that Spagnuolo and the Giants used in the Superbowl to eventually beat the Pats.
From the kind words being said about him tonight, he no doubt was a fine gentleman in addition to a football genius. May he rest in peace.
As a ruthless Giants fan, I have nothing but the upmost respect for the work Jim Johnson has done. He was a true innovator on defense.
Hopefully the NFL will permit the patch for the duration of the season.
RIP Jim – Our prayers are with your family and team.
Rest in peace Jim from a Phins fan.
At least he wasn’t smashed by a crappy parachute facility that happens to be in the same division.
Didn’t know the man, but seemed like a good fella. I hope he died living the life he wanted.
Jim Johnson was an absolute class act, through-and-through.
His innovative blitz schemes and uncanny ability to call the perfect defense at just the right moment will be missed by all football fans.
Coordinators don’t get the recognition that they deserve in the HOF. If that ever changes, Jim Johnson should be among the first to be enshrined.
Rest in peace, Jim.
Rest in peace Jim, you were an awesome asset to the game! Bucs Fan who likes a good D!
Thanks everyone, especially the “enemy”, who have provided respect to this man and the contributions he made to the Eagles. You have moved up the hierarchy of humanity, IMHO… I still hope the Eagles will kick your butt in the upcoming season, but it will be with a bit more respect.
This news honestly makes me sick to my stomach. I am a young Eagles fan (but die hard at heart) since the beginning of the Andy Reid / Jim Johnson Era. The reason I was drawn to the Eagles was the constant attacking defense that was employed by the late and great JJ. If it were not for JJ I don’t know that I would be an Eagles fan to this day. I like every true football fan has witnessed the terror in the opposing QBs eyes on a third and long. But most importantly Jim was a down to earth man who everyone could respect. This is a night I will remember for the rest of the days that I follow football. Rest in peace JJ and it is my sincere hope that you are in a better place. To his family if any of you possibly read this, I hope that you take some slight comfort in how loved he was amongst the football world and we feel for you!
Coach Johnson will be sorely missed . He gave the Eagles defense the edge for many years with his innovation and insightful play calling.
I believe that Sean McDermott will do well after learning from the master. all he has to remember is “W.W.J.J.D”?
The Eagles Family will move forward and all be a little better off for having known him or just admiring his handywork. God Bless Coach Johnson and his Family and Friends !
Thanks for everything JJ!! God bless and RIP.
@ Dawkphan
I love it W.W.J.J.D.? BLITZ!
I’m making a tribute t-shirt to wear to all the games!!!
this HALL OF FAME coach will be missed by all of us eagles fans and football fans in general,thank you for all the great memories jim !
I absolutely hate, anything related to Philly, however, Jim Johnson is one of the best D Coordinators of all time, right up there with LeBeau and Belichick (not HC Belichick, DC Belichick).
I was a little bit turned off by the fact that ESPN spent 8 hours slurping Favre’s retirement, and spent about 6 minutes talking about Johnson.
Note to ESPN, this is why think that you suck!
R.I.P. Jim Johnson… You’re in Eagle Nation’s prayers… God bless the Johnson family…
From a Die-Hard Dallas Cowboys fan:
I’m sure it goes without saying, that I despise Philly!!! The cheering while Michael Irvin, ending his career.. The torn ACL to Joey Galloway, ending his season.. the torn ACL to Rocket Ismail, ending HIS season.. today, none of that is relevant!!! My heart goes out to Jim Johnson’s wife, his family, his friends, and the fans of the Eagles organization!! Jim Johnson was as good of a D-Coordinator as there was, and when the Cowboys played the Eagles, i always worried what he would have in store for us!! He was an innovator.. his blitz packages were respected throughout the NFL!! He was a great football mind, and i believe ANY fan of ANY team would have loved him calling THEIR teams “D”.. myself included! R.I.P. Mr. Johnson.. you are ALREADY missed!!
Yellowjackets, Thanks I’ll look for you !!
I haven’t had a chance to comment on this yet…
JJ was a class act and one of the greatest defensive minds in the modern era of American Football. Tributes to this man should be dominating the news right now, not the non-news of Favre deciding to STAY retired (for the moment, at least).
I feel for you Eagles fans, but I’m sure that D will bring it week in and week out this season in honor of their fallen leader. Good Luck in ’09.
I remember when Jerome Brown passed. I couldn’t bring myself to play as the Eagles on Tecmo Superbowl for like 6 months! JJ will be missed. May God be with his family!!
GO EAGLES!!