Former Dallas Cowboys head coach Jimmy Johnson is leading tributes following the death of civil rights leader Jesse Jackson. On Tuesday, Jackson drew his last breath “peacefully” surrounded by his relatives at age 84. As the world mourned his loss, Johnson also shared a social media post to honor his legacy. He remembered Jackson not just for his activism or vast political career, but also for the person he was.

On Tuesday, Jimmy Johnson shared a throwback picture of himself shaking hands with Jesse Jackson.

“After a Super Bowl he was special..RIP,” he wrote.

In another comment, he described Jackson as an “impressive individual,” reflecting the impact the longtime activist had on so many lives.

While Jackson’s family shared no cause of death, he had been battling progressive supranuclear palsy. Doctors hospitalized him last year as his condition declined, nearly a decade after his diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease in 2015. Jackson leaves behind his wife, Jacqueline, and their six children: Santita, Jesse Jr., Jonathan, Yusef, Jacqueline, and Ashley.

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Born on October 8, 1941, to Helen Burns and Noah Louis Robinson, he was a native of Greenville, South Carolina. Following his mother’s marriage to Charles Henry Jackson, Jesse carried his adoptive father’s last name throughout his life. On the professional front, Jackson ran for the presidency twice, in 1984 and 1988. A close associate of civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr., he founded the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.

It is a non-profit organization dedicated to civil rights and social justice. Throughout his career, he worked to unite Americans from different walks of life, especially focusing on poor and working-class communities. In later years, he emerged as a prominent leader in the Democratic Party. Beyond his meaningful career as an influential activist and politician, his love for football ran deep. He played quarterback at Sterling High School, earning him a scholarship to the University of Illinois.

But after enduring racial barriers because of his African-American heritage, he moved to North Carolina A&T. There, he served as a starting quarterback and student body president. His impressive performance led to his induction into the university’s Sports Hall of Fame in 1984. After his playing days were over, he remained an avid Chicago Bears fan, regularly attending training camps and games at Soldier Field.  

Roger Goodell and others react to Jesse Jackson’s passing after Jimmy Johnson’s post

Jesse Jackson’s passion for football was well-known, with condolences pouring in from many prominent people across the league. These include NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Jarrett Payton, the son of former Bears running back Walter Payton.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Jesse Jackson, one of America’s most distinguished civil rights leaders,” Goodell said on Tuesday via the league’s official website. 

“Reverend Jackson fought for equality and challenged the status quo to help build a stronger nation. As a quarterback for North Carolina A&T and a loyal Chicago Bears fan, Reverend Jackson also understood the power of football to bring people together and make meaningful change. The NFL extends our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and the people he inspired.”

Meanwhile, Payton shared a picture on social media from the day Jackson baptized him as a baby. He touched upon their special bond over the years. Payton recounted how Jackson’s advice led him to take an important professional decision after his father’s memorial service. 

When Jarrett revealed he wanted to step away from football temporarily, Jackson told him to reflect on what his father would have wanted. That thought allowed him to continue playing football and return to the Miami Dolphins. In addition, Jimmy Johnson’s social media post garnered powerful reactions from people who grieved Jackson’s demise.

One user described Jackson as “legendary,” while another used a folded hands emoji to show respect.

The third person wrote, “Very special gesture from a very special man.”

“Very thoughtful picture for today, God bless you,” another commented. 

These comments show how netizens appreciated Johnson’s kind gesture in remembering Jackson.

Jesse Jackson leaves behind a powerful legacy of unity and equality that will continue to inspire generations to come.