Andre Johnson is a former American football wide receiver who had a remarkable 14-season career in the NFL, mainly with the Houston Texans. Drafted third overall in 2003 after a successful college career at the University of Miami, he quickly established himself as a dominant force. Johnson is currently ranked 11th in all-time NFL receptions and receiving yards. He holds almost every significant receiving record for the Texans and also had brief stints with the Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee Titans.
1999: High School Graduation and Football Success
Andre Johnson graduated from Miami Senior High School in 1999, where he was a standout football player and a Parade All-American.
2000: College Career Begins
Andre Johnson started playing college football for the University of Miami Hurricanes in 2000.
2000: Terrell Owens' Record
In 2000, Terrell Owens set a record for receiving yards with the San Francisco 49ers. This record was later surpassed by Andre Johnson.
2002: Rose Bowl Co-MVP
In 2002, Andre Johnson was co-MVP of the Rose Bowl, helping the Miami Hurricanes win the national championship.
2002: Track and Field Success
In 2002, Andre Johnson won the Big East 60-meter and 100-meter dashes.
2002: Houston Texans Founding
The Houston Texans, the team where Andre Johnson would later make history, were founded in 2002.
2003: College Career Ends
Andre Johnson ended his college football career at University of Miami in 2003.
2003: Signing with Houston Texans
Andre Johnson signed a six-year, $39 million contract with the Houston Texans in 2003.
2003: Track and Field Victories
In 2003, Andre Johnson won the 200-meter dash at the GMAC Championships and achieved a career-best time in the 400 meters.
2003: Andre Johnson Foundation Founding
In 2003, during his rookie season, Andre Johnson established the Andre Johnson Foundation, dedicated to supporting children and teenagers raised in single-parent households.
2004: Breakout Season and First Pro Bowl
In 2004, Andre Johnson had a breakout season with 1,142 receiving yards and was selected to his first Pro Bowl.
March 3, 2007: Contract Extension with Texans
On March 3, 2007, Andre Johnson signed a six-year, $60 million contract extension with the Houston Texans.
2007: Injury-Shortened Season
Andre Johnson's 2007 season was shortened by injury, but he still led the league in receiving yards per game.
December 14, 2008: First 200-Yard Game
On December 14, 2008, Andre Johnson recorded his first 200-yard receiving game against the Tennessee Titans.
2009: Leading the League in Receiving Yards
In 2009, Andre Johnson led the league in receiving yards for the second consecutive season and helped the Texans achieve their first winning record.
February 2010: Birth of Kylie
Andre Johnson's daughter, Kylie, was born in February 2010.
August 4, 2010: Highest-Paid Receiver
On August 4, 2010, Andre Johnson signed a contract extension that made him the highest-paid wide receiver in NFL history.
2010: 2010 NFL Season Highlights
During the 2010 NFL season, Andre Johnson achieved several milestones. He earned AFC Offensive Player of the Week in Week 2 after a game against the Washington Redskins. He had standout performances against the Kansas City Chiefs and Jacksonville Jaguars. Johnson also became the first player in NFL history with 60+ receptions in each of his first eight seasons. However, he was involved in an altercation with Titans cornerback Cortland Finnegan, resulting in fines for both players. He concluded the season with 86 receptions, 1,216 yards, and eight touchdowns, earning a Pro Bowl invitation.
2011: Injury and Limited Production
In 2011, Andre Johnson suffered an injury that limited his production. This raised concerns about his ability to return to top form.
2011: 2011 NFL Season and Accolades
In 2011, Andre Johnson was ranked seventh by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players list. Despite his individual accomplishments, the Texans missed the playoffs with a 6-10 record.
January 7, 2012: Playoff Debut and Divisional Round Loss
On January 7, 2012, Andre Johnson made his playoff debut in a Wild Card Round victory against the Cincinnati Bengals, contributing a 40-yard touchdown reception. However, the Texans lost to the Baltimore Ravens in the Divisional Round despite Johnson's 111 receiving yards.
November 18, 2012: Record-Breaking Performance vs. Jaguars
On November 18, 2012, Andre Johnson had a career-best game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, with 14 receptions for 273 yards and the game-winning touchdown in overtime. This performance placed him among the top single-game receiving yardage totals in NFL history.
December 4, 2012: Toys "R" Us Shopping Spree and Blue Santa Program
On December 4, 2012, Andre Johnson garnered global attention for spending over $19,000 on a Toys "R" Us shopping spree for children aged 8-16 in Child Protective Services, funded by his foundation. This act of generosity, though a yearly tradition for Johnson, gained widespread recognition due to a photo of him with the receipts. He also participated in the Houston Police Department's Blue Santa program, distributing Christmas gifts to 800 students at Bastian Elementary School.
2012: Impressive Season Despite Injury
Despite a groin injury, Andre Johnson had a highly productive 2012 season, finishing second in receiving yards and fourth in receptions. He exceeded expectations after a previous injury and earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections.
2012: Frustration with Team Struggles
In 2012, Andre Johnson expressed frustration with the Houston Texans' struggles.
2012: 10,000 Receiving Yards Milestone
In 2012, Andre Johnson became the first Texan to reach 10,000 career receiving yards during a game against the Green Bay Packers. He also started the season with a strong performance against the Miami Dolphins.
2013: Final Pro Bowl Season
In 2013, Andre Johnson had a strong season with 109 receptions for 1,407 yards and five touchdowns, leading to his final Pro Bowl selection. He also achieved the second-fastest 12,000 receiving yards milestone in NFL history.
2013: Pro Bowl and Rankings
In 2013, Andre Johnson was ranked 14th on the NFL Top 100 Players list and was selected for the Pro Bowl.
April 10, 2014: Miami Sports Hall of Fame Induction
On April 10, 2014, Andre Johnson was inducted into the Miami Sports Hall of Fame.
2014: Ranking on NFL Top 100
Andre Johnson was ranked 21st on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2014.
2014: Final Season with Texans
The 2014 season marked Andre Johnson's last with the Houston Texans. He played in 15 games, recording 85 receptions, 936 yards, and three touchdowns.
March 2, 2015: Informed of Non-Starting Role
On March 2, 2015, Andre Johnson was informed he would not be starting for the Texans in the 2015 season. He was granted permission to seek a trade.
March 9, 2015: Released by Texans
On March 9, 2015, Andre Johnson was released by the Houston Texans after failing to find a suitable trade.
March 11, 2015: Signs with Indianapolis Colts
On March 11, 2015, two days after being released by the Texans, Andre Johnson signed a three-year, $21 million contract with the Indianapolis Colts.
2015: 2015 Season with Colts
During the 2015 season, Andre Johnson briefly held the title of active NFL receiving yards leader until surpassed by Steve Smith Sr. His most notable game was against his former team, the Texans, where he scored two touchdowns. He finished the season with 41 receptions, 503 yards, and four touchdowns.
March 9, 2016: Released by Colts
On March 9, 2016, Andre Johnson was released by the Indianapolis Colts after one season.
July 29, 2016: Signs with Tennessee Titans
On July 29, 2016, Andre Johnson signed a two-year contract with the Tennessee Titans. This would be his final season in the NFL.
October 31, 2016: Announces Retirement
On October 31, 2016, Andre Johnson announced his retirement from the NFL.
2016: Contract through 2016
Andre Johnson's contract extension ensured he would remain with the Texans through the 2016 season.
April 19, 2017: Retires as a Texan
On April 19, 2017, Andre Johnson signed a one-day contract with the Houston Texans, allowing him to officially retire with the team.
November 19, 2017: Inducted into Texans Ring of Honor
On November 19, 2017, Andre Johnson became the first inductee into the Houston Texans Ring of Honor.
February 8, 2024: Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction
On February 8, 2024, Andre Johnson was selected for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his third year of eligibility. This marked a significant milestone as he became the first Houston Texans player to receive this honor since the team's inception in 2002.
2024: Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction
In 2024, Andre Johnson was selected for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.