37 days until 49ers kickoff: The Hall of Famer wore it best

The San Francisco 49ers kick off the 2015 NFL regular season on Monday Night Football, on September 14. That game. means San Francisco is now a mere 37 days away from kicking off its 2015 regular season. In the spirit of that approaching date, I thought I would steal this idea from our Oakland Raiders site.

Who wore it best: CB Jimmy Johnson (1961-1976)

The career approximate value is not the greatest stat for measure all-time player value for a franchise, in part because some players were playing before it is applied. But among players where we do have measurements, cornerback Jimmy Johnson is incredibly high on the list. In 16 seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, Johnson is fourth on the franchise's all-time AV list. Jerry Rice, Steve Young and Joe Montana are the top three. It is worth noting guys like Leo Nomellini would be much higher if it appropriately factored in the early parts of their careers.

There is something moderately amusing about one of the greatest players in 49ers history holding the same name as a coach of the Dallas Cowboys. Amusingly enough, the 49ers Jimmy Johnson was born in Dallas, Texas.

The 49ers spent a first round pick on Johnson in the 1961 NFL Draft, selecting him sixth overall. He was also selected by the San Diego Chargers in the fourth round of the AFL Draft. Johnson was voted to five Pro Bowl teams, and selected four times for first team All-Pro. He was voted into the Hall of Fame in 1994, with the 49ers retiring his jersey that season.

Johnson initially played safety, moved to wide receiver in his second year, moved back to safety, and then settled in at cornerback for the bulk of his career. Johnson finished his career with 47 interceptions, which is second all-time to Ronnie Lott. One writer considered him the greatest cornerback to never play in a Super Bowl. You can learn more about Johnson at JimmyJohnson37.com.