Fall from grace: Andre Johnson not attending camp
Dec 22, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson (80) runs after a catch against the Denver Broncos during the first half at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports
When mini-camps opened there was an obvious problem. Andre Johnson wasn’t there. People were a bit shocked but concern was muted. He is always the professional and thus if had reason not to attend, we all assumed it was a darned good one.
Now we know, in a media event, Mr. Johnson dropped all pretense of support for the Texans and stated “Kind of wonder if this is still the place for me?”
This, coming from the face of the team for so many years was sobering in light of the post draft euphoria among the Texans faithful.
What has driven ‘Dre to take such a stance?
Dec 1, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson (80) walks off the field after a turnover on downs against the New England Patriots during the second half at Reliant Stadium. The Patriots won 34-31. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports
That’s the question.
It’s been made public that he will not be attending organized team activities nor the mandatory mini-camp. That’s just, brutally painful to all parties involved. One can sympathize with Andre, he’s been here from the word go. He has tolerated horrible seasons and seen his hopes of playing in the big game crash and burn last season.
He’s not getting any younger, and the Texans failure to land a ready to go quarterback in the draft doesn’t inspire confidence. However, with his hefty base salary his chances of being traded to a contending team is very slim.
He’d have to take a huge pay cut to have a chance at playing for a Seattle or Green Bay. As a fan, the thought of Andre Johnson in any other uniform than Steel Blue is almost unbearable, as a person I can understand, I really can his anger and frustration.
The thing we really need to know, is the other side of the story. Did the Texans front office or new coaching staff say or do something to precipitate this? Bill O’Brien is after all the guy that got up in Tom Brady’s grill and gave him the what for.
One can imagine that trying to come in and restore a moribund team like the Texans meant stepping on toes and making it clear he was the boss. We can only hope, that the Texans and Andre find some middle ground, and the best damned receiver in Texans history finishes out his career here.
Of course, if this becomes a battle of wills I hope we trade him off and get a good deal in return then go to the Super Bowl.
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