Sports community mourns Jim Johnson
Thursday, July 30th, 2009
Philadelphia's sports community is reeling from news of the death Tuesday of longtime Eagles Defensive Coordinator Jim Johnson. Johnson had been battling melanoma and had been ill for six months.
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Johnson's commanding presence on the field lasted right up through last season. His painful symptoms forced him off the field only for the Eagles last two playoff games, which he coached from the press box.
Marcus Hayes is a sports writer for the Philadelphia Daily News. He says few coaches in Philadelphia or anywhere could boast the kind of popularity among fans that Johnson did.
Hayes: One thing Philadelphians like period is honesty, whether they're sports fans or not. And Jim Johnson has never been anything but honest. He's not duplicitous. He's not canny. He doesn't trick you.
In his ten years as Defensive Coordinator, Johnson consistently produced one of the best defenses in the NFL, leading the team to seven playoffs, five NFC Championships, and a Super Bowl.