Andre Johnson gives his take on Texans head coaching search

While waiting for his Hall of Fame call which could come as early as 2022, Andre Johnson talks Cortland Finnegan fight, and who’s the right fit to take over the Texans.

Some beefs are for life, some you eventually get over, and some might need more time to iron out. Andre Johnson was a model citizen during his playing days in the NFL minus one incident just over ten years ago with an antagonizing Tennessee Titans cornerback Cortland Finnegan. It was the one time Johnson was ever ejected from an NFL game.

So, would Johnson say hello to Finnegan if he ran into him on the street? “I might,” Johnson said with a smile.

Most if not all were on Johnson’s side at the time. Considering his soft-spoken manner, it’s an exchange that’s still discussed to this very day.

“I hear about that so much,” Johnson said. “And you can always tell when the Texans play the Titans that video always pops up. I’ve actually seen it a lot on instagram lately. I didn’t know it’s been ten years since that happened.”

For the record, it’s not something Johnson wants to be remembered for.

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“I wouldn’t say that I’m proud of it,” Johnson said. “You know it happened, it’s nothing I can change, life goes on you live and you learn.”

Life going on for Johnson in the football world mean Canton, Ohio and the Pro Football Hall of Fame. It could come as early as 2022 for Johnson, his first year of eligibility. Johnson deserves to be there,11th all-time with 14,865 receiving yards, but who know how NFL writers will view his career in a passing era.

“Being honest I don’t really think about it much because it’s a process waiting five years,” Johnson said. “I think once my name is announced as a semi-finalist or finalist then I will probably think about it more, but right now I don’t really think about it much at all.”

Johnson could also lose some votes from writers who never saw him on the biggest stage. The Texans never made it past the divisional round.

What could the Texans franchise do better today as they plot their future with perhaps a new coach and general manager?

“I think the biggest thing is when you win, when you look at teams that are very successful, it starts up front with the defensive line and the offensive line,” Johnson said. “If I had to say one thing thats what I would start with it, protecting the quarterback and getting to the quarterback.”

Johnson did not mention a favorite, but did offer his opinion in the rumors that are swirling on who could replace Bill O’Brien long term.

“I don’t have a coach in mind,” Johnson said. “I know Eric Bieniemy’s name has come up a whole lot. I understand why with what’s going on in Kansas City you have a quarterback like Patrick Mahomes who has the same skill set as Deshaun (Watson).”

In addition to getting more help for Watson up front and with the next head coach, the Texans will have a tough decision to make with soon-to-be free agent wide receiver Will Fuller, who just tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs.

“I think you have to sit down with Will and just have that conversation and from whatever comes from the conversation you can from there,” Johnson said. “I think everyone was surprised, I was surprised about it. When Will is healthy he is very productive always seems to find the end zone. I hope that whatever happens they can get something worked out and he can stay around.”

Andre Johnson is working with Crown Royal. Being a royal fan this season means staying safe, generously supporting your community, and drinking responsibly while rooting on your team. That’s how to Crown Your Game Day.