Retired Houston Texans Pro Bowl wide receiver Andre Johnson is among 15 finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2022, in his first year of eligibility for induction.
An inaugural member of the Texans' Ring of Honor, Johnson attended the Texans' victory over the Los Angeles Chargers in the McNair family's owners suite.
“It means a lot,” Johnson said. “I always tell people that you don’t play the game to become a Hall of Famer. You play the game to be a great player and help the team be successful. I don’t think it has really set in yet. It’s a tremendous honor.
"I’m thankful to the Hall of Fame committee for voting me as a finalist. It’s the biggest achievement you can have as a football player other than winning a Super Bowl. I’m excited about it, very humbled and very appreciative of the people who helped me throughout my career.”
The Hall of Fame names its 15 finalists in December before final balloting for the inductees that's announced prior to Super Bowl LVI.
Johnson was named to seven Pro Bowls and is the only player in the Texans' Ring of Honor. He leads the franchise in every major receiving category and finished his career with 1,012 receptions, 14,185 yards and 70 touchdowns.
The former first-round draft pick from Miami, selected by the Texans third overall in 2003, ranks 11th all-time in the NFL in receiving yards and catches.
“I’m thrilled that Andre is getting the recognition he deserves,” Texans chairman and CEO Cal McNair said. “From the day we drafted him in 2003 throughout his entire career, Andre was everything we could have asked for in a player and person. Every week it seemed like opposing defenses would focus their game plan around stopping him, but he was always able to produce and deliver for us. Andre was at his best during our biggest moments and electrified our stadium and fan base like very few players ever have. We are excited to continue to celebrate Andre’s career and everything he has accomplished.”
Johnsonwas named All-Pro five times.In a dozen seasons with the Texans, he set records for most catches in a single game with 14 receptions, 273 yards and three touchdowns. He led the team in receiving yards and catches 10 times. He played 133 consecutive games and scored 64 career touchdowns.
Johnson was signed to a one-day contract to retire as a Texan in a press conference on April 19, 2017.
“Congratulations to Andre on this tremendous honor,” Texans co-founder and senior chair Janice McNair. "Andre is not just a Hall of Fame player, but a Hall of Fame person and friend. He has accomplished so much on and off the field. We are grateful for his contributions to the Texans and our city. Andre holds a special place in our hearts."
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