Houston Texans all-time Mount Rushmore
By Brad Weiss
Andre Johnson, WR (2003-2014)
Of course, DeAndre Hopkins has had an incredible career wearing the Houston Texans uniform, and many would have included him on their Mount Rushmore. However, when it comes to the best wide receiver in the history of the franchise, I give the nod to Andre Johnson, who put together a Hall of Fame-type career in Houston.
The Texans’ first round draft pick in 2003, the third overall pick out of Miami, Johnson dominated from the get-go at the NFL level, starting all 16 games as a rookie. Johnson would be named a Pro Bowl in Year 2, as he had his first of seven 1,000-yard seasons with the Texans, and hauled in six touchdowns.
A seven-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro, Johnson led the NFL in receptions and receiving yards twice, while ending his career 11th all-time in NFL history in both those categories. He may have ended his career by playing for the Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee Titans in his final two seasons, but it was his work with the Texans that will land him in Canton.
Johnson signed a one-day contract with Houston, retiring as a member of the organization. It was a fitting honor for the first real star the franchise ever had, and he also became the first player to be inducted into the Texans’ Ring of Honor. Johnson re-wrote the Texans record book at wide receiver, and is still the best to ever do it there.