NFL GridIron Gab Daily Digest

Running back John Henry Johnson, a member of the 49ers’ famed “Million Dollar Backfield” in the mid-1950s, died in Tracy on Friday at the age of 81, according to several relatives and close friends.

Family members said Johnson’s health had been in decline the past five years. Johnson’s pro playing career spanned 14 seasons, including 13 in the NFL and now-defunct American Football League, and culminated with his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Johnson’s most productive seasons came with the Steelers in the ’60s when he twice rushed for more than 1,000 yards. He was also a member of the Detroit Lions title-winning team in 1957.

It was during his three seasons with the 49ers for which Johnson is best remembered, teaming with running backs Joe “The Jet” Perry and Hugh McElhenny and quarterback Y.A. Tittle from 1954-56 to comprise what many regard as the best backfield in history.

With the NFL lock out still raging along, here are some possibilities for the Jaguars as far as free agency goes once the lock out ends. Names have been thrown around as possible help for the team at the safety position.

The two highest profile of these names are Eric Weddle and Roman Harper. Both of these players have tremendous upside and are both good enough to have a solid impact on the team. Now the last anyone saw of Roman Harper on the field the Seattle Seahawks were making him look like a fool and burning him all day.

Harper may not be the greatest as far as coverage but he is a solid tackler and can make big plays as he forced 6 fumbles and had one interception last season. Harper also had 98 total tackles last season. Harper has the talent to really help the Jags and will be looking to show that what we last saw of him was a fluke and not what kind of player he is.

The second of these two men is Eric Weddle who has spent his first four seasons with the San Diego Chargers. Weddle is a hard hitter but did not make many turnovers last season as he only had 2 interceptions and only has six for his career. Now while the Jags have serious hopes of possibly getting Weddle there may be a reluctance to leave the San Diego area as he is from Fontana, California.