A Football Life Season 2 Episode 9
A Football Life
Season 2

Ep 9. Jimmy Johnson

  • November 7, 2012
  • 7.4  (27)

A Football Life season 2 episode 9 is a detailed and remarkable journey through the life and career of former NFL head coach Jimmy Johnson. The episode takes a closer look at Johnson's coaching success, his unorthodox approach to the game, and the impact he had on the sport and his players.

The episode begins by tracing Johnson's humble beginnings in Arkansas, where he grew up watching his father work as a high school football coach. It then moves on to his college playing days at the University of Arkansas, where he built a reputation as a smart and tough player. After graduating, Johnson became a graduate assistant at his alma mater, which marked the beginning of his coaching career.

The episode then delves into Johnson's coaching success at various levels, including his tenure as head coach at Oklahoma State University, where he transformed the Cowboys into a winning team. It also explores Johnson's time at the University of Miami, where he took the Hurricanes to national prominence by winning the 1987 National Championship.

The episode then shifts its focus to Johnson's head coaching career in the NFL, where he took over the struggling Dallas Cowboys franchise in 1989. Through a series of interviews with former players, coaches, and commentators, the episode explores how Johnson's unorthodox approach to the game and his unwavering discipline and drive transformed the Cowboys. He used his recruiting prowess to sign top players and drafted smartly to create a team that was dominant for years.

The episode also examines Johnson's controversial decision to part ways with star running back Herschel Walker, which led to a famous trade that transformed the Cowboys into a championship-caliber team. It then highlights the team's journey to win back-to-back Super Bowls in 1992 and 1993. Johnson's relationship with superstar players like Troy Aikman, Michael Irvin, and Emmitt Smith is explored in detail. The episode also explores the impact Johnson had on these players who have thrived under his leadership and how their performance and respect for Johnson have transcended the football field.

Kimberly Warren, who worked closely with Johnson during his time at the University of Miami, reflects on Johnson's leadership style and his tremendous impact on his players. She mentions how Johnson wanted his players to think about competing all the time and believed that if players could compete in practice, they could translate that into the games.

The episode also features former President Bill Clinton, who reflects on Johnson's leadership style, his knack for identifying and developing talent, and his incredible drive and determination. Clinton mentions in the show how Jimmy Johnson developed a lot of young players who later went into NFL and that without his contribution, the NFL would not be what it is today.

Overall, A Football Life season 2 episode 9 takes the viewers on an interesting and memorable journey through the life and career of Jimmy Johnson, highlighting his contributions to football, his approach to the game and how he transformed the Dallas Cowboys into a championship-winning team. The episode gives an insight into the coach’s thoughtful and unorthodox approach to the game and pays homage to one of the great minds in football. All in all, it is a must-watch for any football fan.

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Description
  • First Aired
    November 7, 2012
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    7.4  (27)