Andre Johnson Enters Pro Football Hall of Fame
Canton, OH – Texans legend Andre Johnson was officially enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday. In a heartfelt speech, the 43-year-old wide receiver expressed deep gratitude to the Texans organization and the city of Houston, which he affectionately called his second home. Johnson’s induction marked a historic moment, as he became the first Houston Texans player to receive this prestigious honor.
Johnson expressed gratitude to everyone who supported his journey, including his family – particularly his mother – his coaches, notably Kubiak, and his cherished teammates, who turned out in full force to honor one of the NFL's most dominant offensive forces.
"I want to thank my mom. All your hard work, sacrifice, dedication, it didn't go unnoticed. The way you raised me and my little brother, it was a Hall of Fame effort. Today, Ma, you go in the Hall of Fame. To my brother Willie, I love you, bro. Your eyes was my eyes away from the field, the things we talked about at the games, your perspective on games helped me more than you know. I always look forward to our conversations. I just want to say thank you, because you made me better as a football player, love you bro. To my daughter, Kylie. Hey, whatever you do, make a Hall of Fame effort. I love you, you're probably one of the best blessings that ever happened to me, and I will always be here to support you, and I have your back."
He continued,
To the team, the Houston Texans that are here. Man, I hope you guys really take this in and enjoy it, cherish it, and then one day, one of you guys will be standing up here. DeMeco (Ryans), I love you, brother, I appreciate you."
"I can't lie, I'm happy as hell. I have reached the pinnacle. To be standing up here with these guys, guys I've idolized, guys I've wanted to be like, and now for them to be my teammates."
A beloved figure in Houston, a fan favorite, Johnson’s path to football immortality began when the Texans selected him with the third overall pick in the 2003 NFL Draft. Instantly made the cornerstone of their offense, Johnson captivated fans with his extraordinary talent. Their fervent support was on full display in Canton as they chanted his name, a testament to his enduring popularity. With 1,062 catches for 14,185 yards and 70 touchdowns, Johnson etched his name into the record books, owning the NFL marks for most seasons with 100 receptions and 1,400 receiving yards.
Johnson proceeded to thank the fans.....
"To the Houston Texans fans: Jim Porter asked me, if the Houston Texans were to get a game, how do you think the Houston fans would show up? I told him to get ready, because the fans were going to show up and show out. I'm so appreciative of you guys, you guys have shown me so much love from that day I got to Houston to now, just being around the city. I was in the store the other day, I saw a lady, she didn't say, 'Hey Andre.' She didn't say anything except, 'I'll see you in Canton.' I love you guys, I appreciate you guys, you've meant so much to my career, you guys motivated me, and I couldn't have done a lot of the things I did if I didn't have you guys cheering me on. I really appreciate you, thanks."
Drafted third overall by the Texans in the 2003 NFL Draft, Johnson spent 12 seasons with the franchise. His exceptional career, highlighted by seven Pro Bowl selections and a ranking as the 11th all-time leader in career receptions, solidified his status as one of the greatest wide receivers in NFL history.
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