DeMeco Ryans, Texans players share thoughts on Andre Johnson's Hall of Fame nod

One can’t tell the history of the Houston Texans without Andre Johnson.

While J.J. Watt took NRG Stadium by storm, Johnson was the first to pave the way for a new era of football in H-Town.

It’s only fitting he’s the first Texan to call Canton, Ohio home.

Johnson, the legendary wide receiver and the Texan’s first legitimate superstar, will officially be etched in football folklore history as a member of the 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame class. But before his bust can rest inside the hall, the Texans must play Thursday night against the Chicago Bears in honor of his legacy.

“It’s only right that we all go and support Dre,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “I think for a lot of us, it will be our first time being in Canton at the Hall of Fame, so it will be a unique experience for us all and we’re looking forward to it.”

Ryans, a former Pro Bowl linebacker for the Texans, knows Johnson the player as much as the person. The two shared a locker room from 2006-11 until Ryans departed for Philadelphia.

Both served as captains on their respective sides. Johnson, who set franchise records in receptions (1,012), receiving yards (13,597) and receiving touchdowns (64), was the face of the offense en route to helping Houston clinch its first-ever playoff berth under Gary Kubiak.

When he walked off the field to breathe, Ryans, the 2006 Defensive Rookie of the Year, stepped up as the leader of the huddle.

“I’m just so proud of Andre and all of his accomplishments throughout his career and for him to reach the pinnacle in football of being enshrined as hall of famer it means the world to us as an organization,” Ryans said. “I know it means the world to Andre to show all the hard work that he put into it out here on these fields and just the type of man that he is off the field in the community just speaks to the volume of who Dre is and we’re happy to support him.”

Drafted No. 3 overall out of Miami in 2003, Johnson would go on to set not only Texans’ records but league ones. Over his 14 seasons, the seven-time Pro Bowler totaled an NFL-leading 21 games with at least 10 catches and 100 yards.

Even as age became a factor, Johnson looked spry and elusive in the open field, averaging 102 catches and 1,280 yards over his final three years with the franchise.

“[Being] the first person to represent us in the Hall of Fame is a huge thing.” receiver Noah Brown said. “Andre had a hell of a career and it’s – I’m glad that he’s getting acknowledged for it.”

As the backbone of the Texans for 12 seasons, Johnson has been a staple of Houston sports and a pivotal part of the franchise’s growth. Even those who joined the team following his retirement in 2016 know the mark he left on the game off NRG Drive.

“It is cool to actually go see, this will be my first [time] that I am actually seeing [the NFL Hall of Fame] with my own two eyes,” safety Jimmie Ward said. “I am happy that I met him, and I am happy that I have a relationship with him and congratulations to Andre.”

Johnson and the rest of the Class of 2024 will be inducted at 11 a.m. CT on Saturday. Coverage can be seen on ESPN.