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Pro Football Hall of Famer Andre Johnson reflects on his Houston Texans off-field impact
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- Pro Football Hall of Famer Andre Johnson reflects on his Houston Texans off-field impact
CANTON— It's easy to become caught up in the day-to-day grind at work. Especially when that grind involves playing wide receiver in the National Football League . For 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Andre Johnson , this week has served as an opportunity to reflect on the impact that he had on those around him during his time playing pro football.
"I think the biggest thing that has caught my attention the past couple days is just the number of phone calls I have gotten," Johnson said during a Hall of Fame media event at the Canton Repository. "I think it's the most calls I have ever gotten in my life. It's not just friends and family reaching out either. I didn't realize the impact I had on everybody around me while I was playing and this has really opened my eyes. I didn't realize the impact on the whole city of Houston and all the fans I had and it's just been kind of crazy to realize how much I meant to them."
Class of 2024 Hall of Famer Andre Johnson (left), who starred for the Houston Texans, and Texans principal owner Cal McNair (right) arrive at the Pro Football Hall of Fame before the Hall of Fame Game featuring the Texans at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, Aug 1, 2024.
It's easy to see why fans in Houston would have fond memories of Johnson. He caught 1,012 passes and racked up 13,597 yards and 64 touchdowns in over a decade with the Texans from 2003-14. Johnson played one season with the Indianapolis Colts and a final season with the Carolina Panthers in 2016 to finish with 1,062 catches, 14,185 yards and 70 TDs.
Andre Johnson, a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024, stands by his glass memorabilia case during a visit to the Hall of Fame, Friday, May 24, 2024.
More on the Hall of Fame: A fans' guide to the 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement this weekend in Canton
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"Having the support of so many people means a lot," Johnson said. "I just never realized the effect I had on people around me. Having the support of so many former teammates this week in particular means a lot. You end up being more like brothers than teammates. When you are playing, you spend more time with them than you do your own family at times."
Losing that bond between teammates was the hardest part of retirement for Johnson.
"I always tell people that I don't miss the games," Johnson said. "I don't miss playing. I miss the guys. I miss the plane rides and the bus rides. Those are the things that I remember the most about my career. To have so many of those guys with me this week to celebrate is truly special."
Class 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinee Randy Gradishar engages the crowd at the 2024 Pro Football Hall of Famer walk and Photo Op in Canton. Friday, August 02, 2024.
Thinking about those bonds has stirred some emotions for Johnson while practicing his enshrinement speech. A possibility of tears on the stage Saturday at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium exists.
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"I am focusing on thanking everybody," Johnson said. "That moment isn't going to be about me. It's going to be about everyone else that is important in my life. I got emotional when we were practicing it this week."
Andre Johnson, a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024, stops to greet Jon Kendle, the Hall's Vice President of Museum & Archives, inside the main lobby, Friday, May 24, 2024.
Seeing the space where his bust will reside in the Pro Football Hall of Fame this week also caused some moments of reflection.
"It's definitely unreal," Johnson said. "It kind of feels like a dream. When I saw the space where my bust was going to reside, I was just at a loss for words. I can't describe it. There is just so much history in that place."
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This article originally appeared on The Repository: NFL Hall of Famer Andre Johnson see his impact on others
