The Ultimate Guide To Jimmy Johnson's Age And Shocking 2025 Career Retirement

The question of "How old is Jimmy Johnson?" has taken on new significance in late 2025, not just because the legendary coach and analyst celebrated his 82nd birthday in July, but because of a major shift in his decades-long career. As of today, December 10, 2025, James William Johnson is 82 years old, and he is officially enjoying his retirement after stepping away from his iconic role as a studio analyst on *Fox NFL Sunday* earlier this year, marking the end of an era in sports broadcasting.

This deep dive provides the most current information on the two-time Super Bowl-winning coach, exploring his exact age, a complete biographical profile, and the monumental legacy he leaves behind in both college and professional football, as well as on television. His recent departure from the FOX booth has been one of the biggest stories of the 2025 NFL season, with former tight end Rob Gronkowski taking his place.

Complete Biographical Profile: James William Johnson

The man known simply as "Jimmy" is one of the most decorated figures in football history, achieving unparalleled success at both the collegiate and professional levels. His career is defined by a winning mentality and an ability to turn struggling programs into champions.

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• Full Name: James William Johnson
• Date of Birth: July 16, 1943
• Current Age (as of December 10, 2025): 82 years old
• Birthplace: Port Arthur, Texas, U.S.
• College: University of Arkansas (Played defensive lineman, 1962–1964)
• Wife/Spouse: Rhonda Rookmaaker (Married 1999)
• Children: Two sons, Brent and Chad (from a previous marriage to Linda Kay Cooper)
• College Coaching Career: Oklahoma State Cowboys (1979–1983), Miami Hurricanes (1984–1988)
• NFL Coaching Career: Dallas Cowboys (1989–1993), Miami Dolphins (1996–1999)
• Major Championships: 2x Super Bowl Champion (Dallas Cowboys, XXVII, XXVIII), 1x College Football National Champion (Miami Hurricanes, 1987)
• Hall of Fame Inductions: College Football Hall of Fame (2012), Pro Football Hall of Fame (2020 Class, enshrined 2021)
• Analyst Role: *Fox NFL Sunday* (1994–2025)

The Hall of Fame Coach's Current Age and 2025 Retirement Status

Jimmy Johnson’s age, 82, is a remarkable number considering the intensity of his career, which transitioned from the high-pressure world of coaching to the demanding schedule of a national sports analyst. His birthday on July 16, 2025, marked his 82nd year, and it came just before the start of an NFL season that would see a major change in his professional life.

The most significant update regarding Johnson in 2025 is his decision to step away from the *Fox NFL Sunday* desk. After nearly 30 years as a fixture on the popular pregame show, Johnson announced his retirement from the analyst role. This move was not a surprise to those who followed his desire to spend more time at his Florida Keys home, but it still left a huge void in the show's dynamic.

His final season as a regular analyst concluded with the 2024-2025 NFL season, and the 2025 season began with a new face in his chair. Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New England Patriots star Rob Gronkowski officially replaced him, joining the panel alongside Terry Bradshaw, Howie Long, and Michael Strahan. Despite his retirement, Johnson remains a highly sought-after voice, often weighing in on the Dallas Cowboys' performance and offering his unique perspective on their keys to success for the 2025 season.

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A Legacy Defined: Super Bowls, The U, and FOX

Johnson’s career is a masterclass in building championship teams from the ground up, making his 82 years a testament to a life spent at the pinnacle of competitive sports. His coaching journey began at Oklahoma State, but it was his time at the University of Miami (The U) that cemented his status as a college football powerhouse. He led the Hurricanes to a National Championship in 1987, establishing a ferocious, swaggering culture that defined the program for years.

His move to the NFL to coach the Dallas Cowboys in 1989, replacing Tom Landry, was initially controversial. However, Johnson, alongside owner Jerry Jones, systematically dismantled and rebuilt the team, famously trading star running back Herschel Walker to acquire the draft capital needed for their future success. This strategy paid off spectacularly.

Under Johnson’s guidance, the Cowboys secured back-to-back Super Bowl victories in Super Bowl XXVII and Super Bowl XXVIII, making him one of the few coaches to win both a college national championship and a Super Bowl. His tenure ended abruptly in 1994 due to a rift with Jerry Jones, but his legacy as the architect of the Cowboys’ 1990s dynasty is undeniable.

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His transition to the *Fox NFL Sunday* studio in 1994 was seamless. For three decades, he provided sharp, no-nonsense analysis, often serving as the perfect foil to the more theatrical Terry Bradshaw. His recent retirement in 2025 concludes this second, equally successful chapter of his career, solidifying his status as a legend in both coaching and broadcasting.

Addressing the Confusion: Jimmy vs. Jimmie Johnson's Age

The search query "jimmy johnson how old" often causes confusion because there is another major sports figure with a very similar name: NASCAR legend Jimmie Johnson. It is important to note the spelling difference ("Jimmy" vs. "Jimmie") and their respective ages to ensure clarity.

While Coach Jimmy Johnson is 82 years old, Jimmie Kenneth Johnson, the seven-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion, is significantly younger. Born on September 17, 1975, Jimmie Johnson is currently 50 years old. He continues to be active in the racing world, having confirmed his partial NASCAR Cup schedule for the 2025 season as both a driver and co-owner of LEGACY MOTOR CLUB.

Therefore, when discussing the former Dallas Cowboys coach and Fox analyst, the focus is on the 82-year-old Hall of Famer, Jimmy Johnson. His impact on the game, from "The U" to the Cowboys' dynasty, continues to be felt even as he enters a new phase of life following his 2025 retirement from television.