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Jimmy Johnson, former Dallas Cowbpys head coach

Cowboys Legend Jimmy Johnson Shares Heartfelt Truth Fans Never Knew on His 82nd Birthday

In the first week of March 2025, Dallas Cowboys legendary coach Jimmy Johnson dropped a shocking update while enjoying a heartfelt moment with his FOX Sports colleagues. He said, “I’ve been thinking about it for the last four or five years, and I’ve decided to retire from Fox. I’m going to miss it. I’m going to miss all the guys.” The announcement came as a surprise, especially as he appeared to be having a great time on the set of FOX Sports.

The legendary coach and longtime NFL analyst decided to end his 31-year stint not just with a broadcasting company, but with millions of fans. But after revealing his retirement update in March, Johnson has now hit fans with another shocking revelation, this time on his 82nd birthday, July 16, 2025.

Dec 30, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; (L to R) Former Dallas Cowboys Michael Irvin, Jimmy Johnson and Emmitt Smith react during the Ring of Honor ceremony at the halftime of the game against the Detroit Lions at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Jimmy Johnson drops what fans never knew on his birthday

On his birthday today, Jimmy Johnson took it to the X (formerly known as Twitter) to reveal what fans were not even expecting. After receiving birthday wishes, Johnson thanked fans on X and wrote, “To all the well-wishers..Thank you, I don’t celebrate BDays but want many more..had leftover pizza from Enrico’s…good day!” 

Why doesn’t Jimmy Johnson celebrate birthdays?

In 2012, ESPN reported this unknown fact about Johnson. Johnson had always prided himself on being a football-first mercenary. “The former Cowboys HC is a man who didn’t celebrate Christmas or birthdays, didn’t care to watch his sons grow up, and even waved to his first wife without hesitation.” This was what ESPN said, which refers perfectly to the coach’s revelation. 

But that kind of cold, uncompromising focus helped Jimmy become who he was. His habit of sacrificing everything personal for the sake of the game made him a relentless competitor and a true champion in the world of football. Whether it was building a strong team, bringing home two Super Bowls, or roaring the iconic slogan, “How ’bout them Cowboys,” to fire up Troy Aikman and the boys in 1993, Jimmy Johnson’s cold behavior has worked in his and the Cowboys’ favor.

The former legendary coach will forever be remembered for his relentless dedication to the franchise and his unwavering passion for the game of football. Even though he has stepped away from analyzing the sport, his legacy continues to inspire, and fans still and always will hold him in the highest regard.

Main Photo: [Stephen Lew] – USA Today Sports

About Ashutosh Kadam

Ashutosh Kadam is a sports journalist at Last Word on NFL. He is also working as an NFL writer at Essentially Sports.

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