How 'bout Jimmy Johnson?
The Cowboys head coach from 1989-93 finally saw his name added to the franchise's Ring of Honor on Saturday night.
"You inspired me," owner Jerry Jones told Johnson before handing the microphone over to the two-time Super Bowl-winning coach.
Jimmy Johnson with a passionate Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor speech. ️ pic.twitter.com/UZZ84gmRbR
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) December 31, 2023
During his speech, Johnson thanked his family ("No one knows your sacrifices like your family"), his players for sticking with him ("At times you thought I was a tyrant, an A-hole") and Cowboys fans and haters alike.
And of course, he ended his speech with Michael Irvin and Emmitt Smith behind him, shouting, "How 'bout them Cowboys!"
Johnson won back-to-back Super Bowls in 1992 and 1993 but was bought out of his contract following the 1993 season.
At the time, Johnson discussed the brewing tension between himself and Jones by telling reporters, "[Jones] said he wanted to be more part of it. He said, 'I want it to be Jimmy and Jerry ... not just Jimmy.' From that time on, it's always been a problem."
Last year, Johnson further opened up about the premature split during an interview promoting his 2022 memoir. (h/t Pro Football Network)
"When we started winning, things changed a little bit. There started to be a little bit of tension ... He wanted to be more in the spotlight. I was proud of what we accomplished. Maybe I didn't want to share it," he said.
While Jones and Johnson, who were teammates during the 1960s at Arkansas, have been cordial in recent years, Johnson's notable absence from the Ring of Honor led to questions about potential lingering animosity between the pair.
With that in the rearview, Jones, Johnson and everyone else responsible for the Cowboys success in the 90s can return to celebrating what they accomplished. The New England Patriots (2003-04) are the only franchise since the Cowboys to win back-to-back Super Bowls.
Social media lit up after Johnson's speech, with several people cheering the moment, including noted Cowboys antagonizer Stephen A. Smith.
Damn! It was incredibly special to see Jimmy Johnson finally inducted into the @dallascowboys ring of honor. The bad news — my concern — is that the curse may finally be lifted. They may actually challenge for a Super Bowl now. So be it! Jerry, my Libra Brother, ya did the right…
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) December 31, 2023
Great speech by Jimmy Johnson. Great moment for Cowboy Nation. HOW BOUT THEM COWBOYS!!!!
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) December 31, 2023
Long overdue I’m happy for Coach man!!!! Jimmy Johnson
— Marcus Spears (@mspears96) December 31, 2023
Such a class man, an absolute legend. Congrats @JimmyJohnson!
— Joy Taylor (@JoyTaylorTalks) December 31, 2023
That is so awesome for Jimmy Johnson!! Congrats to a real legend.
— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) December 31, 2023
What a wholesome moment right there for Jimmy Johnson. That laugh, that smile on his face and THAT “How bout dem Cowboys” was INCREDIBLE.
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) December 31, 2023
Pitch perfect, Jimmy Johnson!
— Rich Eisen (@richeisen) December 31, 2023
Johnson's time with the franchise ended far too soon, but after Saturday night, he's back where he belongs.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!