Is Jimmy Johnson Retiring? NFL Legend Gets Emotional After FOX Tribute

Football fans have come to love Jimmy Johnson not only for his two Super Bowl victories as the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys but also for his signature energy and insight as a longtime FOX Sports analyst. Now at 81 years old in 2025, Johnson may finally be stepping away from the broadcasting desk.

During the Philadelphia Eagles’ dominant Super Bowl win over the Kansas City Chiefs, FOX aired an emotional tribute to Johnson’s storied career. The AI-driven montage took viewers through his early days as a defensive lineman at the University of Arkansas, his coaching triumphs at Miami and Dallas, and his decades as an NFL broadcaster. The segment ended with an emotional Johnson reflecting on his journey, leaving many wondering—was that Jimmy Johnson’s farewell?

A Life in Football: Johnson’s Legendary Career

Born on July 16, 1943, in Port Arthur, Texas, James William Johnson has dedicated his life to football. His journey started as a standout defensive lineman for the Arkansas Razorbacks, where he played alongside Jerry Jones, the man who would later recruit him to coach the Dallas Cowboys to glory.

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After college, Johnson transitioned into coaching, starting as an assistant at Louisiana Tech in 1965, where he met Terry Bradshaw, the future Hall of Fame quarterback. Johnson quickly climbed the ranks, making stops at Oklahoma State, the University of Pittsburgh, and the University of Miami.

His 1987 National Championship win with the Miami Hurricanes put him on the radar of the NFL, and in 1989, his former college teammate Jerry Jones hired him to rebuild the Dallas Cowboys. Johnson didn’t just rebuild—he dominated.

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Under his leadership, the Cowboys won back-to-back Super Bowls in 1992 and 1993, marking one of the greatest team turnarounds in NFL history. But his tenure ended abruptly in 1994 after tensions with Jones over control of the team.

A Second Career: From the Sidelines to the Studio

After a brief coaching stint with the Miami Dolphins, Johnson transitioned into broadcasting. He became a fixture on FOX NFL Sunday, where his sharp analysis, infectious laugh, and no-nonsense approach made him a fan favorite.

Since 1994, FOX NFL Sunday has been the most-watched pre-game show in America, and Johnson has been a key part of its success. Working alongside Terry Bradshaw, Howie Long, Michael Strahan, and Curt Menefee, Johnson helped shape the way football fans engage with the game before kickoff.

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But as time has passed, speculation about his retirement has grown. At 81 years old, many believe Johnson may finally be ready to step away from the spotlight.

A Net Worth Fit for Retirement

As of 2025, Johnson’s estimated net worth stands at $45 million. His fortune comes from his NFL coaching contracts, his long-running career with FOX, endorsement deals, book sales, and business ventures, including his Florida-based restaurant, JJ’s Big Chill.

Despite retiring from coaching over 25 years ago, Johnson has continued to build wealth through media, business, and real estate investments. His longtime residence in Islamorada, Florida, has been a sanctuary for him, even as it faced damage from Hurricane Irma in 2017.

An Emotional Tribute: Is This the End?

The FOX Sports tribute during the 2025 Super Bowl hit fans hard. The AI-driven montage aged Johnson as it walked through his coaching years, showing his transformation from a young, fiery coach to a seasoned broadcasting legend.

When the tribute ended, Johnson gave a heartfelt speech:
“I can truly say because of my family and because of y’all, I’ve never been happier than in this time of my life. Happiest I’ve ever been in my life.”

His longtime colleague Curt Menefee pressed him on whether this was indeed his final game:
“Was that goodbye?”

Johnson simply responded:
“One day at a time.”

His words were cryptic, but they fueled retirement speculation. If Johnson is leaving, he picked a dramatic game for his send-off, as Jalen Hurts led the Eagles to a commanding 40-22 win over the reigning champion Chiefs.

Fans React to Johnson’s Possible Retirement

The tribute stirred up strong emotions on social media, with fans flooding Twitter with reactions:

• “Amazing segment on Jimmy Johnson by FOX.”
• “That Jimmy Johnson tribute hit me right in the feels.”
• “What a tremendous tribute to a great legend.”
• “Wow, wasn’t expecting that… incredible.”

Johnson’s impact on NFL coaching and broadcasting is undeniable, and fans are understandably sentimental about his potential departure.

Will FOX Let Him Go?

While Johnson’s retirement seems imminent, FOX may not be ready to say goodbye just yet. The network has leaned on Johnson’s knowledge, experience, and chemistry with his co-hosts for over three decades. His presence brings credibility and nostalgia that is difficult to replace.

However, at 81 years old, Johnson may want to spend more time with his family and enjoy his Florida home. His love for football will never fade, but the demands of weekly travel and constant media appearances might be wearing on him.

What’s Next for Jimmy Johnson?

If Jimmy Johnson is retiring, he leaves behind an unmatched legacy in both coaching and broadcasting. From National Championships to Super Bowl wins, and from NFL sidelines to America’s favorite pre-game show, his career has been nothing short of legendary.

Will he officially announce his retirement in the coming weeks? Only time will tell. But if this was his final broadcast, he leaves the sport just as he entered it—with passion, charisma, and the admiration of fans everywhere.