HOUSTON – Andre Johnson will be saluted Sunday by the Texans with a halftime ceremony as the retired legendary wide receiver will receiver his Pro Football Hall of Fame ring.
Johnson was inducted into the Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, in July as the first member of the franchise to earn that distinction.
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This matchup against the Indianapolis Colts is being called the AJ 80 Hall of Fame game.
He’ll receive a 14K gold ring that has 1.75 diamond carats with the outer diamonds creating a stadium effect surrounding the football-shaped diamond center. A likeness of his bronze bust along with “Wide Receiver” and “2023-2016) are on one side with his name the Pro Football Hall of Fame logo and “Class of 2024) on the other side. A special engraving is on the inside of the ring, the number 375, his enshrinee number.
Johnson already was given the gold jacket when he was enshrined in Canton along with a commemorative bust that will be at the Hall of Fame museum forever.
The Texans plan to have Johnson participate in a pep rally before kickoff at 10:45 a.m. and have a press conference inside NRG Stadium.
#Texans Andre Johnson @johnson80 to receive @ProFootballHOF ring Sunday at halftime ceremony @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/1Zwsytd4cX
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) October 25, 2024
There will be special AJ 80 collection merchandise at the Texans team shop.
Johnson, a former third overall pick from the University of Miami, was named to seven Pro Bowls and twice was named All-Pro.
The next Hall of Fame selection will be defensive end J.J. Watt, a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, as a first-ballot lock in 2028.
A historic moment: Texans legend Andre Johnson receives his gold Pro Football Hall of Fame jacket
'That quiet kid, I made it' Andre Johnson @johnson80 @ProFootballHOF first #Texans inducted @KPRC2 https://t.co/Te76WsjO5q pic.twitter.com/GzYWgJTMRi
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 3, 2024
His path to football greatness was paved years ago when the Texans drafted him and made him the centerpiece of their offense.
“I’m happy as hell to be your first Pro Football Hall of Famer,” Johnson said during his ceremony. “Very special moment for me. If you work hard, you get to play hard. That quiet kid, I made it. I want to thank my mom. I remember as a little kid, around the age of nine, telling you that I would make it to the NFL and you would never have to work again.
“I know at the time, hearing that was a little farfetched, but look at us now. All your sacrifice and dedication, it didn’t go unnoticed. The way you raised me and my brother have always been on a Hall of Fame effort. Today, mom, you’re going into the Hall of Fame.”
Johnson piled up 1,062 career receptions for 14,185 yards and 70 touchdowns and has the NFL record for the most 100 or more catch seasons and 1,400-yard receiving seasons.
“He made plays that changed games,” former Texans coach Gary Kubiak said. “One of the most dangerous weapons to play the game. He stood the test of time. I am truly honored and privileged to present the first Houston Texan into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. In so many ways, Andre Johnson has taken the entire city of Houston with him to Canton, Ohio.
“He stayed here and stood the test of time and said, ‘Follow me, I will show you what it takes to win. Just stick with me and we’ll get there.’ And I’ll be darned, he got there. I think he will always be remembered as a leading force of the franchise. As I look back, I can say the only thing missing on Andre Johnson’s resume is being on a championship football team. But, boy, is he on one now.”
#Texans @ProFootballHOF Andre Johnson @johnson80 @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/wurdhdfwbb
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 3, 2024
Johnson was joined in Canton with some elite company that includes fellow inductees Dwight Freeney, the former Indianapolis Colts pass rusher, Denver Broncos linebacker Randy Gradishar, Chicago Bears return specialist Devin Hester, a fellow University of Miami alum, Bears defensive tackle Steve McMichael, Carolina Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers and San Francisco 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis
“It’s not about me,” Johnson said. “It’s about everybody who has played a part in it. This accomplishment alone, this is the best of the best. We’re forever immortalized. You’re in the one percent. You can’t beat that.”
“It’s a cool moment to be a part of and to reflect back on so many great times we had on the field as teammates,” Matt Schaub, the best quarterback Johnson played with during his time in Houston, told KPRC 2. “To see all of our fellow teammates come in to be a part of this, it shows you what Andre meant to us as teammates and what he meant to our locker room and our organization and the city of Houston. He was really the heartbeat of everything.”
Johnson holds the Texans’ all-time records with 1,012 catches, 13,597 yards, 64 receiving touchdowns, and 51 100-yard games. He holds single-game records for most receptions (14), receiving yards (273), and receiving touchdowns (three) in a game.
Following his final two seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee Titans, Johnson signed a one-day contract with the Texans that allowed him to retire as a member of the organization.
“To the Texans’ fans, words cannot describe the love you guys have and continue to have for me,” Johnson said. “We have created some great memories, and I cannot thank you guys enough for the way you have supported me: No. 80. number 80.
“I am truly honored to be your first national football Hall of Famer. This accomplishment is not just about me. It is for us. Many, many people have had a role in my career and today, we are going into the Hall of Fame.”
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Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com
