Tennessee Titans WR Andre Johnson retires after 14 seasons

After 14 seasons, NFL veteran Andre Johnson announced his retirement.

Regarded as one of the best NFL players of the modern era (of all time, really), WR Andre Johnson told the Titans organization that this is his last NFL season. The news comes after a sub-par season with Tennessee following a trade from the Indianapolis Colts last year.

This year hasn’t been so kind to Johnson, as he’s hauled in zero passes in his last three games. It might have been a short vacation playing at Nissan Stadium, but Johnson felt it was the opportune time to clock out. Since 2004, Johnson’s experienced his fair share of ailments, starting with an ankle injury that same year. Most recently, Johnson incurred a leg injury during training camp before the 2014 season kicked off.

A graduate of Miami (FL), Johnson wasn’t destined for greatness. As a freshman in the year 2000, he recorded only three receptions in 11 games with the Hurricanes. The momentum would shift suddenly the following year. Over the same number of games, Johnson increased his receptions 10-fold, and recorded 10 touchdowns. He proceeded to wrap up his time in Coral Gables with 1,831 yards and 20 touchdowns.

Through his tenacity as a ‘Cane, Johnson entered the 2003 NFL Draft. After two names were called in the first round, Johnson heard his own. Following picks by Cincinnati (Carson Palmer) and Detroit (Charles Rogers), the Houston Texans ended up selecting the 6-foot-3 wide receiver from south Florida third overall.

In his rookie season, Johnson compiled 66 receptions for 976 yards and four touchdowns. In a team that featured QB David Carr and RB Domanick Williams, Johnson carridd the group of receivers for the 2003 Houston Texans on his shoulders. Unfortunately, they went 5-11, good enough for last place in their division.

Jumping ahead in his career, Johnson stayed in Houston for 12 seasons, followed by one-year honeymoons in Indianapolis and, currently, Tennessee. In seven of his 14 seasons, Johnson collected over 1,000 yards, while hauling in about 60-percent as an intended target.

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As a seven-time Pro Bowler, Johnson deserves a spot in the Hall of Fame, but not because of the metrics. He helped put the Houston organization on the map. Johnson also ranks with some of the best receivers in NFL history, like Art Monk and Steven Largent. No. 80 will likely be retired by the Texans since it’s the least that could be done for Johnson’s services.