Texans show it’s all love at Andre Johnson’s farewell presser

Andre Johnson, arguably the greatest player in Houston Texans history, signed a one-day contract with the team today to retire a Texan.

Andre Johnson amassed 13,597 receiving yards on 1,012 catches in his career with the Texans. He also scored 66 receiving touchdowns for the Texans organization. All three are franchise records.

Not only was the venue at NRG packed with media, but coaches and players alike showed up for Andre Johnson’s big day. The former Texan gave his all for Houston when he was here as he built a Hall of Fame resume on the field and developed the franchise’s character off of it.

The love was shown today from a bevy of teammates and coaches.

Drew Dougherty of HoustonTexans.com started it off with this tweet:

Deepi Sidhu of HoustonTexans.com finished the press conference with a photo of Andre and his Texan family:

It is great to see so many of Johnson’s former teammates and coaches come out. After Johnson was released, he played for two division rivals in the Indianapolis Colts and the Tennessee Titans.

Some fans took a bitter heart to Andre’s new team choices. His former work colleagues did not. At the end of it all, Andre Johnson has always been an outstanding citizen, team player, friend, and leader.

Johnson broke down in tears during his press conference in referencing his family members that shaped him into the man he’s become. A man whom many young Houstonian’s aspire to be because of his example.

Johnson shaped the Texans on the field with his Hall of Fame resume, but it was his giant heart and spirit off it that has truly shaped what was a brand new franchise in the NFL. Since Johnson became the third overall selection in the 2003 NFL draft,  the Texans have embodied his style on and off the field.

The team posted a highlight video that takes us all back to the good ole 80 days. Farewell Andre, thank you for putting the Texans on the map and creating such a family-esque culture.

Some notable things Andre Johnson said:

"“I get to be a fan now. Even when I played for Colts and Titans my heart never left this place.”“I didn’t know I’d be up here crying. My only regret is not helping the organization win a championship.”At the end of it, it was all love between Andre and the Texans. As Johnson exclaimed, “I’d give anything to be able to go back into battle with you guys again. You guys made me better.”"

Andre Johnson also challenged his former teammates and coaches to go and win a championship.