Super Bowl LIX might mark the last appearance for Jimmy Johnson at Fox. The legendary football coach, a key member of the network’s Fox NFL Sunday pregame show, has been a prominent figure in the sport since the 1980s. After his second Super Bowl in three years, Johnson received a heartfelt tribute from the network during the live broadcast from New Orleans, hinting at the possibility of retirement.
“I was blessed to have great players, great assistant coaches, and great friends,” Johnson shared with his colleagues after the tribute video, which showcased his incredible journey. Fox made an intriguing decision to primarily use animation for the video, employing CGI or AI technology to incorporate Johnson’s face and voice onto younger versions of himself.
LEGEND.
An incredible look at the career of @JimmyJohnson from his time as a player to now 🏈🤩 pic.twitter.com/QGd3QmJxzi
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) February 9, 2025
The long tribute celebrated Johnson’s national championship as a defensive lineman at Arkansas in 1964, another in 1987 as head coach of the Miami Hurricanes, and two more Super Bowl rings with the Dallas Cowboys in 1993 and 1994. After the second Super Bowl, Johnson joined the Fox NFL Sunday show alongside Terry Bradshaw and Howie Long, and the trio has remained together for over 30 years. However, Johnson hinted at retirement during the pregame segment when host Curt Menefee asked if this Super Bowl would be a farewell. Johnson replied, “one day at a time.”
“I can truly say because of my family and because of ya’ll, I’ve never been happier than in this time of my life. Happiest I’ve ever been in my life.” @JimmyJohnson ❤️ pic.twitter.com/aaDp7MIPk3
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) February 9, 2025
In a recent interview with Awful Announcing’s Andrew Bucholtz, Johnson shared similar sentiments regarding his broadcasting future: “I used to say ‘One more year,’ then it became ‘Well, I don’t know,’ and now it’s ‘One more day at a time.’ I’ll see how I feel going into next year.” At 81, Johnson has dedicated his life to football and has openly discussed the sacrifices made for his career, now trying to make up for lost time at his retirement home in South Florida.
His longtime friend and cohost Terry Bradshaw mentioned this week that he’s likely to retire after Fox’s next Super Bowl in 2029, leaving Johnson’s future less clear. If this indeed marks the end for Jimmy Johnson, it has undoubtedly been an extraordinary career.
