‘Happiest of life’, Jimmy Johnson breaks down in tears over Fox NFL Sunday segment before announcing retirement decision

JIMMY Johnson hinted at his Fox NFL Sunday retirement during the Super Bowl.

The 81-year-old analyst and former NFL coach was in tears before the Super Bowl after being honored by Fox.

Jimmy Johnson speaking into a FOX Sports microphone.
2

Jimmy Johnson was teary-eyed during the Super Bowl after Fox aired a tribute for himCredit: NFL on Fox

Jimmy Johnson, 2x Super Bowl champion, on The Herd.
2

Johnson officially announced his retirement on The Herd with Colin CowherdCredit: NFL on FOX

Fox NFL Sunday aired a tribute to Johnson during the show’s Super Bowl episode, leaving him emotional on live TV.

“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,” he said.

“Happiest I’ve ever been in my life.”

Johnson went on to thank his family after the segment, and was asked if that was goodbye.

“One day at a time,” he said.

Of course, it did end up being goodbye, as Johnson officially announced his retirement on Monday during an appearance on The Heard with Colin Cowherd.

“As you know, probably the most fun I’ve ever had in my career, and that’s counting Super Bowls and National Championships, was at Fox Sports,” Johnson told Cowherd.

“I have an absolute ball with my friends on the set, and the best friends I’ve ever had there with Fox.

“And I’ll tell you on top of that, I love working for Eric Shanks, our CEO, and our producer Bill Richards.

“But I’ve made an extremely difficult decision.

Up Next

Michael Strahan has water thrown in his face live on GMA by Susan Lucci as shocked viewers gasp ‘I did not like that’

Michael Strahan’s plans for future revealed after ‘quitting GMA’ following Fox NFL Sunday uncertainty

“I’ve been thinking about it for the last four or five years, and I’ve decided to retire from Fox, and I’m going to miss it.

“I’m going to miss all the guys, and I’ll see them occasionally, but it has been a great run starting back 31 years ago.”

NFL fans shared their love for Johnson on social media after he announced his retirement.

“Growing up with the Fox NFL crew it’s gonna be sad not seeing him week 1 next year,” one fan said.

NFL important dates 2025 season

March 12 – Free Agency begins

April 24-26 – NFL Draft in Green Bay, Wisconsin

September 4 – 2025 season opener (TBC vs Eagles)

November 27 – Thanksgiving Day triple header

January 4, 2026 – End of regular-season

February 8, 2026 – Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California

“Thank You Coach for all the years you’ve given to the game,” another fan said.

“End of an golden era,” a third fan said.