Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has paid an emotional tribute to ‘gifted’ ex-Dallas coach Jimmy Johnson following his retirement from Fox.

Johnson, who led the Cowboys to consecutive Super Bowl triumphs in the 1992 and 1993 seasons, had spent 31 years with Fox Sports as part of the network’s NFL coverage.

On Monday, Johnson, 81, announced he was making the ‘extremely difficult decision’ to step away from the job, and Jones had extremely kind words for his onetime Arkansas teammate a day later.

‘From the time we were in college until the time we were holding up those Super Bowl trophies, I knew Jimmy Johnson could be anything he wanted to be, and he has,’ Jones began a statement. ‘Some of the most exciting times in my life I shared with Jimmy, and I cherish them.

‘As one of the most gifted people I’ve ever been around, Jimmy has blazed a remarkable, unique trail that is now deeply embedded into football and broadcasting history.

‘Congratulations on your incredible career Jimmy, and I wish you well in your fourth quarter my friend. You will always be a winner!’

Jerry Jones and Jimmy Johnson are seen embracing during a halftime ceremony in 2023

Jimmy Johnson announced that he is retiring after 31 years with Fox Sports

Johnson, who also served as general manager in Dallas, would later go on to serve as a head coach and exec with the Dolphins as well, where he spent four seasons from 1996-1999. All told, he spent over 30 years as a coach and front office exec between the NFL and college ranks.

Since he stopped coaching, however, Johnson has become known for his rapport with Terry Bradshaw, Howie Long, host Curt Menefee and more recently Michael Strahan and Rob Gronkowski.

Speaking on Colin Cowherd’s The Herd on Monday, he detailed the excruciating decision to leave the ‘best friends I’ve ever had.’ 

‘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 all the guys.’

He also admitted: ‘As you know, probably the most fun I’ve had in my career – and that’s counting Super Bowls and national championships – was at Fox Sports. I have an absolute ball with my friends on the set, best friends I’ve ever had.’

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