It’s been well over two years since Jimmy Johnson was told he’d one day be inducted into the Cowboys Ring of Honor. The Hall of Fame coach has finally learned his date with destiny in Dallas.
With Johnson once again at his side on Sunday, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones announced the two-time Super Bowl-winning coach will be inducted into the Cowboys Ring of Honor on Saturday, Dec. 30, when Dallas is set to host the Detroit Lions in prime time.
“It was a magical time that we had together, and I want you to know something: On December 30th, 2023, you’re going in the Cowboys’ Ring of Honor,” Jones said on FOX NFL Sunday prior to Dallas’ 33-10 win over the Carolina Panthers..
From 1989 to 1993, Johnson served as the coach for the Cowboys for five seasons, amassing a 44-36 regular-season record and a 7-1 postseason record. He led the team to consecutive Super Bowl victories before departing. Johnson was hired by Jones, who had purchased the team in 1989. He followed in the footsteps of the legendary Cowboys coach, Tom Landry, and managed to revitalize a struggling team. In 2020, Johnson was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Johnson is set to be the 24th person and the second head coach to join the Cowboys Ring of Honor. He will share this honor with Bob Hayes, Bob Lilly, Chuck Howley, Cliff Harris, Charles Haley, Darren Woodson, Don Meredith, Don Perkins, Drew Pearson, Emmitt Smith, Gil Brandt, Larry Allen, Lee Roy Jordan, Mel Renfro, Michael Irvin, Randy White, Rayfield Wright, Roger Staubach, Tex Schramm, Tom Landry, Tony Dorsett, Troy Aikman, and DeMarcus Ware.
Despite years of uncertainty following Jones’ initial hint, Johnson accepted the news with grace. The adored ex-head coach of the Cowboys concluded the announcement in the only manner he saw fit.
“He exclaimed, ‘All I have to say is, how about those Cowboys?'”