Andre Johnson

Andre Johnson
AJ Guel · CC BY 2.0 · source
Name	Andre Johnson
Birth date	11 July 1981
Birth place	Miami, Florida
Height	6 ft 3 in
Weight	230 lb
College	Miami (FL)
Position	Wide receiver
Drafted	2003 NFL Draft, Round 1, Pick 3
Pastteams	Houston Texans (2003–2014), Indianapolis Colts (2015–2016)

Andre Johnson (born July 11, 1981) is a former American professional football wide receiver known for a long tenure with the Houston Texans and later with the Indianapolis Colts. A standout at Miami (FL), he became one of the most productive receivers of the 2000s and early 2010s, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections and franchise records. His career included league-leading seasons, playoff appearances, and recognition among peers such as Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, and Calvin Johnson.

Early life and education

Born in Miami, Florida, he attended Miami Northwestern Senior High School, where he played for the Bulls under coaches influenced by Florida high school traditions. As a prep athlete he competed alongside teammates who later attended Miami (FL) and entered the NFL Draft. He was recruited by major programs including Florida State University, University of Florida, and Louisiana State University, ultimately enrolling at Miami (FL), a program with alumni such as Edgerrin James, Warren Sapp, and Ray Lewis.

College career

At Miami (FL), he played for coach Butch Davis and later Larry Coker during a period that produced numerous NFL players. He contributed to high-profile rivalries against Florida State and Florida and appeared in bowl games that featured matchups with teams like Nebraska. His collegiate teammates included future professionals such as Clinton Portis, Antrel Rolle, and Jonathan Vilma. His production at Miami (FL) led to a top-tier projection for the 2003 NFL Draft.

Professional football career

Selected third overall in the 2003 NFL Draft by the Houston Texans, he entered a young franchise alongside teammates such as David Carr and later played with quarterbacks including Matt Schaub, Brett Favre, and Ryan Fitzpatrick. During his tenure with the Houston Texans, he set franchise records in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns, and was central to the Texans' first division titles and playoff berths, competing in postseason games against teams like the Baltimore Ravens, New England Patriots, and Cincinnati Bengals. After more than a decade in Houston, Texas, he was traded to the Indianapolis Colts, where he played with Andrew Luck and contributed veteran leadership while contending with injuries and roster transitions. His NFL career spanned seasons that overlapped with notable league events including matchups against Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Jets, and Seattle Seahawks and eras defined by players such as Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees.

Playing style and legacy

Known for size, strength, and route-running, he often matched up against elite cornerbacks like Darrelle Revis, Champ Bailey, and Asante Samuel and worked in offenses coordinated by figures such as Gary Kubiak and Wade Phillips. Analysts compared aspects of his skill set to contemporaries including Terrell Owens and Marvin Harrison for physicality and catch radius, while commentators referenced statistics compiled during seasons with high targets and yardage totals. His legacy includes influence on franchise-building efforts in Houston, Texas, a reputation among teammates and opponents for toughness, and inclusion in discussions alongside members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame ballot and prominent receivers of his generation.

Personal life

Off the field, he has been involved with community initiatives and charitable efforts in Houston, Texas and Miami, Florida, working with local organizations and participating in events that benefited youth programs and health awareness campaigns. He maintained relationships with former teammates and coaches across the NFL community, and his career post-retirement included appearances at alumni events for institutions like Miami (FL) and the Houston Texans alumni network.

Honors and achievements

He earned multiple Pro Bowl selections and was named to All-Pro considerations during peak seasons; he led the National Football League in receiving yards in one season and accumulated franchise records for the Houston Texans in career receptions and receiving yards. His milestones include 10,000+ career receiving yards and seasons with double-digit touchdown totals, placing him among NFL leaders of his era and earning recognition from organizations such as the Associated Press and former players on all-decade discussions.

Category:Living people Category:1981 births Category:American football wide receivers Category:Houston Texans players Category:Indianapolis Colts players Category:Miami Hurricanes football players