NASHVILLE, TN – OCTOBER 26: Andre Johnson #80 of the Houston Texans warming up before a game against the Tennessee Titans at LP Field on October 26, 2014 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Texans defeated the Titans 30-16. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
The great Houston Texans receiver is no longer an advisor to Bill O’Brien
Andre Johnson hasn’t laced up his cleats since 2016, as he signed a one-day contract to retire as a member of the Houston Texans. Two years later, head coach/general manager Bill O’Brien brought Johnson in as a special advisor. The stint officially reached its end on Saturday.
While speaking with the media at his mother’s annual back-to-school giveaway event, Johnson announced that he’s stepping down as Houston’s special advisor due to the extensive amount of time that’s devoted to the job. However, Johnson did say he’ll still be a part of the organization as a “Texans Ambassador.”
Johnson will still be with the team to help out it’s players
Johnson said that his decision stems from wanting to spend time on himself while also raising his daughter. Even though he won’t be a full-time member of O’Brien’s staff, he’ll still show up to practices to work with and mentor the team’s wide receiver group whenever he gets the chance.
Back in 2003, the Texans selected Johnson with the third-overall pick in that year’s NFL Draft, who was coming off a dominant junior season with the Miami Hurricanes. Johnson turned out to be the organization’s greatest draft pick. Through 12 seasons, Johnson logged 1,012 receptions for 13,597 yards and 64 touchdowns, all franchise-records. He earned seven Pro Bowl nominations and was named a First-Team All-Pro three times.
After leaving the Texans organization to play with the Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee Titans, Houston rewarded Johnson by being the very first inductee into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2017.
Johnson was grateful for the opportunity to get a glimpse of what it’s like to be a coach, but it just wasn’t for him. Instead, he’ll represent the Texans organization in the community while making appearances at team practices during his free time.