Tag: Andre Johnson

Pro Football Hall of Fame: 15 modern-era finalists for 2023 class revealed

The Pro Football Hall of Fame revealed its 15 modern-era finalists for the 2023 class.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame revealed its 15 modern-era finalists Wednesday evening.

The finalists were determined by a vote of the Hall of Fame’s selection committee, a process that started out with 129 nominees. That group was narrowed down to 28 semifinalists in November.

Along with the modern-era finalists, the three senior finalists are Chuck Howley, Joe Klecko, and Ken Riley. Don Coryell is the coach/contributor finalist.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2023 will be announced during the NFL Honors at 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, Feb. 9 on NBC, Peacock (streaming), and NFL Network. The inductees would be enshrined in Canton, Ohio, on Saturday, Aug. 5.

Texans legendary WR Andre Johnson named 2023 Pro Football of Fame finalist

Former Houston Texans receiver Andre Johnson was named as a 2023 Pro Football Hall of Fame finalist.

Former Houston Texans receiver Andre Johnson has been named as a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2023.

The inaugural Texans Ring of Honor inductee is one of 15 modern-era finalists, which were announced Wednesday night.

Texans cofounder and senior chair Janice McNair congratulated Johnson on making it as a finalist.

“I’m so proud of him and everything he has accomplished on and off the field,” said McNair. “He is a shining example of a teammate, friend and father, and he’s already a Hall-of-Famer in my book.”

Chairman and CEO Cal McNair mentioned that he is “thrilled” for Johnson.

“He is a legend in every sense of the word, and I will always be grateful for his incredible contributions to our team and the impact he continues to have on our organization and the city of Houston,” McNair said. “From the day he became a Texan in 2003, he was the definition of a competitor on the field and a pillar in our community. We will continue to take every opportunity to celebrate Andre’s career and everything he has accomplished.”

Johnson, a former No. 3 overall pick in 2003 from Miami, played with Houston through the 2014 season. Johnson is the franchise’s all-time leader in career receptions (1,012), receiving yards (13,597), receiving touchdowns (64) and 100-yard games (51).

The four-time All-Pro also has multiple single-game records for the Texans, including most receptions (14), receiving yards (273) and receiving touchdowns (three) in a game. Johnson also set the single-season franchise record for receptions with 115 in 2008 and receiving yards with 1,598 in 2012.

Johnson also had a stretch of 133 straight games with a reception from Nov. 6, 2005 to Dec. 21, 2014 and scored 64 career touchdowns, ranking second-most in team history.

The Hall of Fame selection committee will reveal the 2023 class at the NFL Honors during the week leading up to Super Bowl LVII in Glendale, Arizona. While there is no set number for any class of enshrinees, the committee’s ground rules stipulate that between four to eight new members will be selected annually. Every candidate has to receive at least 80% approval of the committee before being elected.

Johnson retired with the Texans in 2017, signing a one-day contract, after spending 2015 with the Indianapolis Colts and 2016 with the Tennessee Titans. Johnson was inducted into the Texans Ring of Honor on Nov. 19, 2017, against the Arizona Cardinals.

LOOK: Texans’ Cal and Hannah McNair attend Rockets game with Andre Johnson

Houston Texans chairman Cal McNair and VP of the Texans Foundation Hannah McNair were at a Houston Rockets game with legendary WR Andre Johnson.

Houston Texans chairman and CEO Cal McNair and his wife, Hannah McNair, the vice president of the Texans Foundation, were taking in the Houston Rockets versus Miami Heat Thursday night at the Toyota Center.

The McNairs were joined by former Texans receiver Andre Johnson, who is a semifinalist again for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Week 15 is “homecoming” for the Texans as they host the Kansas City Chiefs. Johnson will be in attendance at the game.

The last time Johnson was at a Texans homecoming game was Week 16 against the Los Angeles Chargers. The COVID-depleted 3-11 Texans pulled off the upset of the 8-6 Chargers at NRG Stadium.

Texans legendary WR Andre Johnson named Pro Football Hall of Fame semifinalist for class of 2023

Former Houston Texans wideout Andre Johnson was named a semifinalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame modern-era class of 2023.

Houston Texans fans may not have much to be thankful for on the field in 2022, but they could have a few special moments next calendar year.

One of them could be their very first, authentic Pro Football Hall of Famer. Inaugural Texans Ring of Honor member Andre Johnson was named one of 28 modern-era semifinalist for the class of 2023.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame revealed 28 modern-era semifinalists for the Class of 2023 on Tuesday.

Johnson, the Texans’ No. 3 overall pick from the 2003 NFL draft, earned two first-team All-Pros and seven Pro Bowls during his 12-year career with Houston. Johnson played a season with the Indianapolis Colts in 2015 and then eight games with the Tennessee Titans in 2016.

If Johnson is one of the 15 finalists, the results will be revealed in January. The 2023 class will be revealed during the NFL Honors ahead of Super Bowl LVII in February. The enshrinement will take place in August in Canton, Ohio.

WATCH: Texans WR Nico Collins shows off improved route running

Houston Texans WR Nico Collins is improving daily, and video from training camp shows his development as a route runner.

Nico Collins is getting better every day. The second-year wide receiver and third-round pick out of Michigan has been making his presence felt during Houston Texans training camp.

As a rookie, Collins started eight games, caught 33 passes for 446 yards and scored just one touchdown. A jump in receiving production would do wonders for Houston’s offense.

As a sophomore, Collins has looked like a sharper route runner who understands how to setup cornerbacks and leave them in the dust. On Tuesday, during one-on-one drills, Collins (#12) ran a dig route and beat Fabian Moreau (#22) over the middle.

Route running is an art and Collins told Aaron Wilson of Pro Football Network that his favorite route to run is the dig route, “I like the dig route because you can push the defender and get them running vertical, and then I come out of my break.”

After talking the talk, Collins walked the walk, pushing Moreau vertical and then breaking inside to separate for the catch. It’s impressive how a 6-4 receiver can get low to burst out of his breaks, a skill Collins was vocal about improving this offseason.

“One thing I worked on this offseason is my pad level and footwork at making every route the same.” Collins later added, “I’m trying to be one of the greats. I want to be a Hall of Famer in Houston like Andre Johnson. Until then, I’ve got to continue to stack my days.”

Reaching Dre’s level of success is a high bar and would be a monumental outcome for Collins. Training camp practices have gone well, next on the checklist, preseason. Collins’ first chance to showcase his improved routes in live action is Aug. 13 versus the New Orleans Saints.

PHOTOS: Penn State’s first round NFL draft picks since joining the Big Ten

From LaVar Arrington and Kerry Collins to Saquon Barkley and Micah Parsons, Penn State has had some big names drafted in the first round by NFL teams over the years.

After seeing two players be selected in the first round of the 2021 NFL draft, with [autotag]Micah Parsons[/autotag] and [autotag]Odafe Oweh[/autotag], Penn State is hoping to see at least one more player go in the first round of the 2022 NFL draft. And there is a good chance a Nittany Lion will be selected in the first round with wide receiver [autotag]Jahan Dotson[/autotag] and defensive end [autotag]Arnold Ebiketie[/autotag] each being viewed as potential first-round selections.

Penn State has a history of developing NFL talent at all positions, but the school may not have quite as many first-round draft picks as you might have originally thought. Since joining the Big Ten in 1993, Penn State has had 19 players drafted in the first round of the NFL draft. Three players highlighted the top 10 of the 1995 draft following Penn State’s undefeated 1994 season. In 2003, Penn State players were selected with four first-round picks by NFL teams.

A Penn State player has been selected with the top overall pick twice in the Big Ten era of the program. Running back [autotag]Ki-Jana Carter[/autotag] was the first pick of the 1995 draft by the Cincinnati Bengals, who traded up to make the move. In 2003, Penn State’s massive defensive lineman [autotag]Courtney Brown[/autotag] was the first pick of the draft by the Cleveland Browns. His teammate, linebacker [autotag]LaVar Arrington[/autotag], followed as the No. 2 pick of Washington.

Here is a look at each first-round draft pick out of Penn State since the Nittany Lions joined the Big Ten.

Former Texans WR Andre Johnson snubbed for Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2022

Former Houston Texans receiver Andre Johnson did not gather enough votes to make the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2022.

Former Houston Texans receiver Andre Johnson was not good enough to make the cut.

The inaugural member of the Texans Ring of Honor made it as far to be a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2022, but he will not be inducted into the hallowed halls in Canton, Ohio, this year.

Making the Hall of Fame this go-around are former Oakland Raiders receiver Cliff Branch, former Green Bay Packers safety Leroy Butler, former San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle, Bryant Young, former New Orleans Saints linebacker Sam Mills, former New England Patriots defensive end Richard Seymour, former St. Louis Rams coach Dick Vermeil, former NFL supervisor of officials Art McNally, and former Jacksonville Jaguars tackle Tony Boselli, who incidentally was selected by the Texans in the 2002 expansion draft, albeit he never played a down for Houston.

Johnson, who played with Houston from 2003-14 and later with the Indianapolis Colts in 2015 and the Tennessee Titans in 2016, was a three-time All-Pro in his career along with being a seven-time Pro Bowler. The former 2003 first-round pick from Miami led the NFL twice in receptions (2006, 2008) and and held the NFL receiving yards title for two straight seasons (2008-09).

Other snubs included former Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware and former Chicago Bears return specialist Devin Hester.

Former Texans WR Andre Johnson talks about being Pro Football Hall of Fame finalist with Sports Radio 610

Former Houston Texans receiver Andre Johnson shared with @sportsradio610 how the process of being a Pro Football Hall of Fame finalist has gone.

The Houston Texans may actually get their own bonafide inductee in to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2022.

Former receiver Andre Johnson was named a finalist. Although the Texans will have to share some space on his bust with the Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee Titans, much the same way Ed Reed has to share some space on his for the Texans, there is no question that Johnson is strongly associated with Houston.

Johnson joined Texans Radio play-by-play Marc Vandermeer and sideline reporter John Harris on Sports Radio 610 Jan. 3 to talk about what the process has been long as a Hall of Fame finalist.

Texans coach David Culley says Andre Johnson ‘was the total package’

Houston Texans coach David Culley says that former receiver Andre Johnson was the complete package during his NFL career from 2003-16.

Houston Texans coach David Culley may be a first-year coach with a 4-11 record and puzzling in-game decisions along the way, but no one inside NRG Stadium knows more about receivers than the 65-year-old.

Culley’s niche has been coaching receivers ever since 1994 when he took the receivers coach job under Sam Wyche with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Save for 2017-18 with the Buffalo Bills when he was a quarterbacks coach, Culley has been a receivers coach all the way until his hiring with the Texans.

The Texans’ coach provided comments on former Texans receiver Andre Johnson and his being named a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2022.

“He’s had a bunch of ‘wow’ factors during his career,” Culley told reporters on Dec. 31. “He was big, he was strong, he was the total package. I’m talking about tough, everything you would want in a (wide receiver). He was the prototype wide receiver in this league, coming through that time he did. His consistency from the start to the end, he was just as productive at the end as he was at the start.”

Johnson played with the Texans from 2003-14, earning seven Pro Bowl selections, two first-team All-Pros, and led the NFL in receptions twice (2006, 2008) and receiving yards twice (2008-09).

“He is what you would actually want if you wanted to draw up one, this is the kind of guy you’d want to draw up to play wide receiver for you,” said Culley. “Plus, he was a tremendous person, too, off the field. I just remember him in college, we knew he was going to be special, and he’s been special. He’s been special enough to be nominated for the Hall of Fame and (is) well deserving.”

The Texans drafted Johnson with the No. 3 overall pick in 2003 out of Miami. After the Texans released Johnson after 2014, he played 2015 with the Indianapolis Colts and 2016 with the Tennessee Titans.

Former Texans WR Andre Johnson says being Hall of Fame finalist ‘means a lot’

Former Houston Texans receiver Andre Johnson is honored to be a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2022.

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.