HOUSTON — Former Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson is one of 15 finalists for the 2022 Pro Football Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame committee — which includes Texans beat reporter of the Houston Chronicle John McClain — will announce the class of 2022 on Thursday, Feb. 10, during the week of Super Bowl LVI in California.
In order to be enshrined, each nominee must receive at least 80 percent approval vote from the Selection Committee at the annual meeting.
“It means a lot,” said Johnson through a statement released by the Texans on Thursday. “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 Texans drafted Johnson with their No. 3 pick of the 2003 NFL Draft from the University of Miami. In 12 seasons with the Texans, Johnson became the franchise’s all-time leader in career receiving yards (13,597), receptions (1,012), and receiving touchdowns (64).
As a seven-time Pro-Bowler, Johnson became the inaugural member of the Texans’ Ring of Honor in 2017.
“I’m thrilled that Andre is getting the recognition he deserves,” Texans Chair 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.
McNair continued: Andre was at his best during our biggest moments and electrified our stadium and fanbase like very few players ever have. We are excited to continue to celebrate Andre’s career and everything he has accomplished.”
In addition to Johnson, wide receivers Reggie Wayne and Torry Holt, along with linebackers DeMarcus Ware and Patrick Willis are a handful of players selected as a finalist.