Former teammates pay homage to Johnson

Texans receiver DeAndre Hopkins knows he was fortunate to spend the first two seasons of his career with Andre Johnson.

In the 20-13 victory over Detroit on Sunday, Hopkins passed Johnson as the most prolific receiver in his first four seasons with the Texans. With eight games left in the season, Hopkins has 3,967 yards compared to Johnson’s 3,953.

Johnson, 35, who came to the Texans in 2003 from the University of Miami, announced his retirement Monday.

“He had an awesome career with the Texans,” Hopkins said. “He did a lot for this organization and for the city as well, and he does a lot for Miami.

“Hearing about him retiring, I think he’s accomplished a lot and what he wanted to accomplish.”

Johnson’s former teammates lined up to praise his 14-year career, including 12 seasons with the Texans.

“He set the bar high,” defensive end Antonio Smith said. “You need toughness as a team captain and a leader. Even though he was quiet at times, his play was never quiet. It was aggressive, tough, hard-nosed style of football.”

Smith played five seasons (2009-13) with Johnson.

“I remember times of him getting hit square in the mouth, get right back up and run another route,” Smith said. “Never stayed down. Always was a fighter on the field. He was an original football player, old school. You tip your hat to a guy like that.”

Inside linebacker Brian Cushing played six seasons with Johnson.

“He was an incredible talent and an even better teammate,” Cushing. “I was shocked when I heard about it (retirement). My experience playing with Andre was awesome. I have all the respect in the world for him.”

Punter Shane Lechler, who’s in his 17th season, compared Johnson to two of his former Oakland teammates.

“I played with Jerry Rice and Tim Brown, and he’s right up there,” Lechler said.

Johnson and nose tackle Vince Wilfork are Florida natives who were teammates at Miami.

“We won a lot of games,” Wilfork said about their careers with the Hurricanes. “He knows he’s always family. We bleed orange and green no matter where we are at and who we are. If you paint a picture of a perfect athlete, you paint Dre.

“And he knew the game inside and out. He was tough and durable. That’s hard to come by.

“Any time you have a teammate and a brother leave the game, you kind of feel bad about it, but at the same time, you look back at his career. Hell of a career. One of the best to ever do it. I’m pretty sure that he’s pretty satisfied with his career. He should be.”

Cornerback Johnathan Joseph had to cover Johnson when he played for Cincinnati. He covered him in practice during their four seasons together with the Texans.

“Obviously, you play this game long enough, and your mind and your body are going to let you know when you no longer want to be in it, and you have to make that decision,” Joseph said. “He had a Hall of Fame career.

“Had a great run here in Houston. He was a great teammate. He was a rare talent-speed combination. He always tried to get better. Never complained. I was blessed to play with him.”