Texans HOF WR Andre Johnson to throw out first pitch at Astros game before ceremony

Before legendary Texans receiver Andre Johnson travels to Canton, Ohio, he’ll make one last pit stop at the Juice Box to see the Astros.

With the countdown clock in full effect, the city of Houston is honoring its newest Hall of Fame athlete.

Former Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson will throw out the first pitch Tuesday night at Minute Maid Park as the Astros take on the Pittsburgh Pirates. That’s only one part of the surprise that comes with $1 hot dogs on Tuesday.

The Astros have dubbed Tuesday “Andre Johnson Night,” honoring the longtime Texans star before his trip up to Canton, Ohio, for the Hall of Fame ceremony next weekend.

Arguably the top player in franchise history and its first Hall of Famer, Johnson will toss the pitch to another H-Town G.O.A.T. in former Astros second baseman Craig Biggio. Biggio was the first player to be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame as a member of the Astros.

The Astros are going all out for No. 80 during his moment at Minute Maid. The first 10,000 fans will receive a special Andre Johnson Hall of Fame bobblehead. On top of that, a portion of the proceeds from the daily 50/50 raffle will go to the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Georgia Frontiere/Rosenbloom Family Assistance Fund, which “supports enshrinees and their families during times of need,” according to a release from the team’s PR staff.

Drafted No. 3 overall in 2003, Johnson became Hosuton’s first legitimate football star since the Warren Moon and Oilers era during his illustrious 12 seasons. He set every major receiving record in franchise history while earning seven Pro Bowl nods and two first-team All-Pro honors.

Johnson finished his Texans career with 1,012 catches for 13,597 yards and 64 touchdowns.

The festivities begin for the Texans on Aug. 1 as the defending AFC South champions take on the Bears in the annual Hall of Fame Game. The Class of 2024 enshrinement ceremony is scheduled for Aug. 3.

Johnson, who will be introduced by former Texans coach Gary Kubiak, will be the last to speak among those being honored for their historic careers.