Andre’s Turn? Texans Legend Named Finalist For Hall of Fame

Andre Johnson, the first star in Houston Texans history, has been named a finalist for the 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame Class.

Tim Kelly | Dec 28, 2023

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Houston Texans

Seven-time Pro Bowler Andre Johnson took one step closer towards being the first Houston Texans star to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame Wednesday, when he was named one of 15 modern-era finalists for the 2024 Canton class.

The Texans -- who began play in 2002 -- selected Johnson with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2003 NFL Draft out of Miami. While he had late-career stints with the Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee Titans, Johnson spent the overwhelming majority of his 14-year career with the Texans. Across 12 seasons with the Texans, Johnson caught 1,012 passes for 13,597 yards and 64 touchdowns. Johnson was a First-Team All-Pro selection in 2008 and 2009.

Johnson is among three receivers who are finalists, along with Torry Holt and Reggie Wayne. Frankly, all three are deserving of induction, so with each of this trio, it appears to be more of a matter of when rather than if they are elected.

The other 12 finalists are cornerback Eric Allen, defensive end Jared Allen, offensive tackle Willie Anderson, offensive guard Jahri Evans, defensive end Dwight Freeney, tight end Antonio Gates, safety Rodney Harrison, kick/punt returner Devin Hester, defensive end Julius Peppers, running back Fred Taylor, linebacker Patrick Willis and safety Darren Woodson. This year's class will be announced at NFL Honors on Feb. 8.

DeMeco Ryans Believes Andre Johnson Is A 'For Sure’ Hall of Famer

While safety Ed Reed played in seven games for the Texans during the final season of his Hall of Fame career, if elected, Johnson would be the first Texans star to ever be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Three-time Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt likely isn't far behind him.

Published Dec 28, 2023

TIM KELLY

Tim Kelly is a contributor to SI's NFL team sites. Additionally, Kelly covers the Philadelphia Phillies as the Editorial Director for PhilliesNation.com. Previously, Kelly has been a producer at SportsRadio 94 WIP and a content producer for Audacy Sports, with written content syndicated to WIP, WFAN, WEEI and some of the biggest sports radio stations in the country. Kelly also has contributed to Bleacher Report, Just Baseball, Sports Talk Philly and Section 215, FanSided's Philadelphia affiliate. Kelly is a 2018 graduate of Bloomsburg University, with a major in Mass Communications and a minor in political science.