HOUSTON — Will the third time be the charm for former Houston Texans’ star receiver Andre Johnson? He was just named again as a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s class of 2024 in year three of eligibility.
Johnson was a finalist for the honor the last two years but both times didn’t get the required 80 percent of the vote to slide into the gold jacket.
This year, Johnson, one of only three members of the Texans' Ring of Honor, is among 15 finalists picked from a group of 173 Hall of Fame nominees. The final voting will be in January.
The other 2024 finalists for the Hall of Fame are Reggie Wayne, Torry Holt, Devin Hester, Jared Allen, Julius Peppers, Antonio Gates, Eric Allen, Darren Woodson, Rodney Harrison, Patrick Willis, Willie Anderson, Fred Taylor and Dwight Freeney.
Johnson, who was drafted third overall in 2003 out of the University of Miami, spent 12 seasons with the Texans. Johnson still holds several of the team’s records, including being the all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards, receiving touchdowns and 100-yard games.
After the Texans, Johnson went on to play for Tennessee and Indianapolis. Houston signed him to a one-day contract to allow him to retire as a Texan.
Johnson has the support of fellow Texans’ legend and team Ring of Honor member J.J. Watt. After the announcement of this year's semifinalists, the team posted a video of Watt talking about how deserving Johnson is, though it's not clear when it was shot.
“Dre deserves to be in the Hall of Fame. Dre’s a legend. He’s the GOAT,” Watt said. “So I’m very happy to be side by side with Dre. He’s incredible.”
