A tearful farewell
Johnson gives thanks and says his goodbyes
“My heart never left this place,” Andre Johnson says at a retirement ceremony Wednesday at NRG Stadium.
DeAndre Hopkins will never forget the first time he met Andre Johnson.
Hopkins, the Texans’ first-round pick in 2013, had been introduced at a news conference the day after they selected him 27th overall from Clemson.
They were looking for a bookend receiver to play opposite Johnson, who was entering his 11th season with the Texans.
“Me and my mom went to Del Frisco’s,” Hopkins said Wednesday at Johnson’s retirement ceremony at NRG Stadium. “Andre didn’t have to come, but he came by himself. He took me out that night. We didn’t go partying. He just talked to me about what to expect and how to carry myself around the city.
“From the first day, he embraced me like a brother, not just as a teammate. He always told me, ‘Don’t go out there and try to do what I do. Do it better than me.’ ”
In the Texans’ first 15 seasons, no player has done it better than Johnson, the third overall pick in 2003 — the best player former general manager Charley Casserly selected in his five drafts.
Johnson played 12 of his 14 seasons in Houston and became the first player in team history to sign a oneday contract so he could retire as a Texan.
“I would like to thank the McNair family for drafting me,” Johnson said before an appreciative audience of family, players, coaches, friends and media. “What you guys have done for me and my family has completely changed our lives.” ‘Epitome’ of a player
Johnson, 35, is the team leader in just about every receiving statistic. Even though he left after the 2014 season and played his last two seasons with Indianapolis and Tennessee, he considered himself a Texan.
“Even when I left here, my heart never left this place,” Johnson said.
General manager Rick Smith said Johnson would be honored at a home game next season.
“We’re absolutely planning to have something to recognize him at one of the games,” Smith said.
Cal McNair, the team’s vice chairman and his father’s right-hand man, introduced Johnson.
“I believe everyone in this room knows how much of an impact Andre has made,” Cal McNair said. “Fortunately for my family and the organization, we know Andre not only as an incredible player but also as an unbelievable person.
“His unwavering commitment to the community makes him the epitome of the type of player we strive for. Andre, thank you for all that you have done and continue to do for the Texans and Houston.”
Johnson, who grew up in Miami and played for the University of Miami, received loud ovations several times. He received a standing ovation at the end of the ceremony.
After thanking owner Bob McNair and his family, the fans, his uncle Andre Melton and his former teammates and coaches, Johnson got choked up talking about his mother Karen, who attended the ceremony.
“Everything I did on that field was because of you,” Johnson said with tears rolling down his face. “I played the game very angry, and the reason I played that way was because of where I grew up. Seeing the sacrifices you made, I never wanted to go back to living that lifestyle again. …
“To my uncle, Andre, you pretty much played the father figure for me. Ever since I was a little kid, I really had no male figure to go to, and you’ve been there with me every step of the way. I thank you for your advice (and) for your love.”
When Johnson struggled to regain his composure, he got another ovation from the audience.
“I didn’t think I’d be up here crying,” he said. “It’s just a feeling you get being up here and knowing you’re closing a chapter. I get to be a fan now.”
Johnson had a message for the players.
“I wanted to do everything I could to put this organization on the map,” he said. “The only regret I have is not helping this organization win a world championship. I would give anything to go back on the field with you guys. Those are memories I’ll never forget — the good times and the bad times.
“I’m going to challenge you guys. I want you guys to help me get a ring. I want to see you guys accomplish that ultimate goal. It would mean the world to me to see you do that.” Only a phone call away
Johnson was a terrific leader on and off the field. He plans to continue to lead by being available to the players — except for one thing.
“I’m here for any phone calls or anything you guys need, (but) don’t call me about money,” he said with a laugh.
Before he finished, he talked about his philosophy of football and what made him one of the greatest at his position.
“I tried to give the organization everything I could,” Johnson said. “You were going to have to drag me off the field in order for me not to play. It was that important to me.
“When I played, I didn’t do it to be measured against anybody. I just wanted to do whatever I had to do to win. I know it’s a team game, but if I had to put the team on my back, then I was going to do that. It didn’t matter what it took. That’s just the way that I approached the game.”