Andre Johnson was one of the first draft selections ever when the Houston Texans took him No. 3 overall in 2003. He was just their second first-round selection in franchise history after the team had opened as an expansion franchise the year prior under the stewardship of Bob McNair.
Now, 21 years later, the franchise can celebrate Johnson as the first player to ever wear the Battle Red and Deep Steel Blue to be named the NFL Hall of Fame. He’ll be inducted in August.
The McNair family put out a statement shortly after the announcement to celebrate the best receiver in franchise history.
“Congratulations on being named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024! You have always been a Hall of Famer in our eyes and we are incredibly proud that you have secured your rightful place in NFL history forever.
“As a Hall of Fame player, person, friend, father and son, your accomplishments on and off the field represent the best of H-Town. You were a Once-In-A-Generation player and every time you took the field, we knew you were bringing an incomparable passion and intensity that was a joy to watch. You are at the heart of some of the most memorable moments in our team’s history, including your induction as the inaugural member of the Texans Ring of Honor. Your impact across our community is immeasurable and you continue to serve as an inspiration to our organization and fans of the game of football everywhere.
“We can’t think of anyone more deserving to be the Texans first Hall of Fame inductee and we are honored to have been a part of your journey. You will always be a Texan and now, you are officially a Hall of Famer.”
"Your accomplishments on and off the field represent the best of H-Town"
A special note from the McNairs to @johnson80 pic.twitter.com/yFwIr6iyAG
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) February 9, 2024
It’s the end of a three-year wait for Johnson and the end of a history-long wait for the Texans to secure their own Hall of Famer. His dominant performance across multiple eras of Houston football is more than deserving of the honor.
The McNair family worked diligently to bring football back to Houston and it was moments like these that they must have imagined all those years ago.