'I'm happy as hell,' Texans legend Andre Johnson receives Pro Football Hall of Fame diamond ring at halftime ceremony

HOUSTON – It was a day for Andre Johnson to saluted Sunday, soaking up the good feelings as the Texans held a halftime ceremony for the retired legendary wide receiver to receive 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.

This matchup against the Indianapolis Colts was called the AJ 80 Hall of Fame game.

Johnson was given his 14K gold ring that has 1.75 diamond carats with the outer diamonds from Pro Football Hall of Fame executive Jim Porter. The design of the ring made by Kay Jewelers creates 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.

“I can’t lie, I’m happy as hell,” Johnson said at halftime after being introduced by Porter and recognized by Texans principal owner and CEO Cal McNair. “This means so much to me. Me making the Hall of Fame wasn’t just about me, it was about this whole city. It was about these fans. It was about this organization. It was about my teammates. It means so much to me. To see these guys lined up along the field, it means so much to me. We went to battle every day. I’m so thankful to be here and to be a part of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Love you guys>”

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.

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.

‘Very special moment, that quiet kid I made it,’ Andre Johnson first Texan to be inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame

A historic moment: Texans legend Andre Johnson receives his gold Pro Football Hall of Fame jacket

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 in July. “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.”

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

SEE ALSO Canton bound touchdown: Andre Johnson makes history as first Texans player to be named to Pro Football Hall of Fame

“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 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 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.”

As for Johnson’s plans for the ring, he’ll likely do the same thing he did with his gold Haggar jacket that he wore for the first time since Canton.

“I’m not really a ring-wearer,” Johnson said. “So, it’s probably something I’ll just keep in a case.”

Read more on the Texans:

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• ‘It’s not good enough,’ Texans’ banged-up defense played well, but can’t get one final stop in loss to Packers
• ‘I’m never the bigger person,’ tempers flare between Texans’ Stefon Diggs and Packers, Jaire Alexander
• Best in class: Texans’ C.J. Stroud, Packers’ Jordan Love meet for first time in battle of talented quarterbacks, friends
• ‘I’m ready for the ball,’ Texans corner D’Angelo Ross reflects on first NFL start, ‘challenge’ of Packers’ Jordan Love

Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com