Troy Aikman was overcome with emotion on Sunday upon learning that his former coach, Jimmy Johnson, will be part of the 2020 Pro Football Hall of Fame class, and the legendary Dallas Cowboys quarterback also shared an emotional tribute later on social media.
Much like former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Bill Cowher experienced on Saturday, Johnson learned of his Canton nod on live television. The two-time Super Bowl-winning coach with the Cowboys unsurprisingly was left overwhelmed by the news, tearing up during FOX’s coverage of the Packers-Seahawks divisional-round game.
During the emotional scene on the set, FOX cut away to Aikman, who also teared up while reacting to the news while serving as color analyst for the network’s coverage of the Seahawks-Packers tilt.
Later Sunday night, Aikman posted a heartfelt tribute to Johnson on Instagram, in which he notes he has known Johnson for 35 years.
Aikman notes in his post how Johnson was the “architect” of the Cowboys dynasty that won Super Bowls in 1992 and 1993. Further, Aikman added that Johnson “should have been the first to be enshrined” from that Cowboys era.
“I am so grateful he will have his rightful place in the [Pro Football Hall of Fame],” Aikman wrote, “congratulations Coach! You’re gonna look good in gold!”
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