Former Cowboys/Hurricanes Coach Jimmy Johnson Joins “Survivor”

Posted Aug 9, 2010 by Walt Belcher

Updated Aug 9, 2010 at 02:58 PM

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  CBS’s “Survivor” has not resorted to stunt casting until now.  The network’s list of new contestants for “Survivor: Nicaragua” includes former Dallas Cowboys and Miami Hurricanes football coach Jimmy Johnson as one of twenty players.

Johnson, 67, who is an NFL analyst for Fox, has said that he has long wanted to be a contestant on the reality show.

This year’s contest, which begins airing Sept. 15, will pit the La Flor tribe (younger than age 40 contestants) against the Espada tribe (the older than 40 contestants, including Johnson).

He reportedly told E! Online said that he’s not a threat to the other players so it should be easy for him to make alliances.

“Survivor” host Jeff Probst has said Johnson really wants the adventure and would give his winnings to charity.

Johnson won two Super Bowls with the Cowboys, and a national title with the Hurricanes.

Johnson was reportedly cast in “Survivor: Gabon” two years ago but couldn’t pass the physical. As a result, he was treated for heart disease. He has since lost weight and apparently has been working out.

And we can report that no one on the list of players is from the Tampa area.
La Flor Tribe
Alina Wilson, 23; student/model
Ben “Benry” Henry, 24; bar owner
Brenda Lowe, 27; business owner, former Miami Dolphins cheerleader
Chase Rice, 24; NASCAR jackman/singer
Judson Birza, 21; student/model/musician
Kelly Bruno, 25; medical student, amputee triathlete
Kelly Shinn, 20; student
Matthew “Sash” Lenahan, 30; luxury broker
NaOnka Mixon, 27; P.E. teacher
Shannon Elkins, 30; business owner

Espada Tribe
Dan Lembo, 63; property management
Holly Hoffman, 44; swim coach
Jane Bright, 56; dog trainer
Jillian Behm, 43; ER physician
Jimmy Johnson, 67; retired NFL coach/TV sports broadcaster
Jimmy Tarantino, 48; fisherman/government seafood inspector
Marty Piombo, 48; wine industry executive
Tyrone Davis, 42; fire captain
Wendy Jo DeSmidt-Kohlhoff, 48; retired army officer
Yve Rojas, 41; stay-at-home mom