HOUSTON – An era came to an end Monday as the Houston Texans officially released star receiver Andre Johnson.
Johnson had been given permission to seek a trade prior to his release after being told last week he would have a reduced role in 2015. He is now free to sign with another team.
"After exhausting all options of a possible trade, we informed Andre Johnson that he would be released today," Texans General Manager Rick Smith said. "No player in the history of this franchise has represented the team, city and community in a more professional way. Andre is a Hall of Fame caliber player and we appreciate his years of service and contributions to our team."
The move signifies the end of a 12-year run for Johnson with the Texans that began back in 2003 when he was the 3rd overall pick out of the University of Miami.
Johnson leaves Houston as the franchise's all-time leading receiver, a seven-time Pro Bowler and a four-time winner of the team MVP award voted by his teammates.
"I have so much respect for Andre Johnson and what he's meant to this organization," head coach Bill O'Brien said. "Andre carried himself as a true professional and did everything that we asked him to do. Andre will go down as one of the best receivers to every play this game. We are thankful for what he has done for our organization and wish him well on his future playing career."
In 2014, Johnson became the second-faster player in NFL history to reach 1,000 catches (168 games) and tied for the second fastest to reach 13,000 yards (160 games).
Johnson recorded 51 career 100-yard games (fifth all-time) and holds the NFL record with 21 career games with 10 or more receptions and 100 or more yards receiving.
The longest tenured player in franchise history, Johnson appeared in four playoff games for the Texans, catching 25 passes for 358 yards and one touchdown in helping Houston advance to the AFC Divisional Playoff in 2011 and 2012.
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