Kubiak, Johnson want to see how WR responds

Aug/10/07 07:49 AM

The week Jacoby Jones joined the Texans, the rookie wide receiver couldn't take his eyes off two-time Pro Bowler Andre Johnson. Jones wanted to learn everything he could. He even hoped to steal some moves.

On Saturday night, Johnson and Jones will switch roles. Johnson is eager to see what Jones does on the field when the fans are in the stands and a real opponent is lining up across from him.

"He's got a lot of talent," Johnson said. "And he can make a lot of big plays. I can't wait to see him out on the field Saturday."
Johnson won't play beyond the first quarter Saturday against the Bears, but Jones will see significant playing time as a receiver and punt returner.

It's only August, but Texans' receiver Johnson focused on playoffs

Aug/06/07 07:41 AM

HOUSTON — After suffering through four straight losing seasons, Andre Johnson has just one goal this year.

He wants to lead the Houston Texans to their first playoff appearance.

It's time, he says, and this year that's the only thing that matters to the Pro Bowl receiver.

"No more excuses," he said. "We've been in this system. We can't make excuses about nothing no more, you just have to go out and play."

Johnson, who joined the Texans after their first season, has been one of the only consistent bright spots in what has been a dismal return to NFL football in Houston.

Andre Johnson's optimism a good sign

Aug/02/07 08:39 AM

Through all the losing and all the frustration, Andre Johnson never uttered a complaint. If you're interpreting his silence as not caring, you're making a mistake.

He saw all the same things you saw and probably felt the same way you felt about a lot of them. He simply decided to fill no notepads.

"That's not me," he said. "I'm not a guy that needs all the attention. I don't want to be on ESPN on Sunday making a fool of myself. Sometimes, things need to be said. I don't have to be on TV to say it. I can just go up and talk to a teammate or a coach."

Pocket fuel: With Schaub, Houston preps for liftoff

May/31/07 11:38 PM

The relationship that could revitalize the Texans was born in a restroom on South Beach.

Seriously.

Andre Johnson, the Texans' star receiver, was relaxing at the News Cafe in Miami back in March, eating lunch with former Miami Hurricanes teammates Reggie Wayne, Santana Moss and D.J. Williams. Matt Schaub, whose term as the Texans' starting quarterback still was best measured in hours, called to introduce himself, but Johnson couldn't hear a thing over the commotion of the lively South Beach afternoon. So he sought decibel refuge in the only place he could find -- a nearby bathroom.

That's improvisation at its best, and it's a skill Johnson will put to good use when he's trying to flash open as Schaub scrambles to avoid the pass rush that has long been the cattle prod in the Texans' side. The duo's methods -- and settings -- of communication have improved since the getting-to-know-you call in Miami, and the Schaub-to-Johnson combo could be just what inches the Texans toward their first playoff berth. The new teammates have been throwing and catching two to three times per week since April 2, and by now they've connected on "more passes than I could even ballpark a guess on," Schaub says.

Texans' Johnson set to help local charity

Apr/25/07 07:42 PM

Texans receiver Andre Johnson's foundation will donate $10,500 to the Houston Area Women's Center in a ceremony at 2 p.m. today.

The center, on Waugh Drive, is the 2006 beneficiary of the Andre Johnson Foundation Celebrity Weekend.

The Houston Area Women's Center works within the community to eliminate domestic and sexual violence.

"The Andre Johnson Foundation is committed to empowering and developing youth from single-parent homes into responsible and educated citizens," Johnson said. "With generous support from donors and volunteers, the Houston Area Women's Center can work year-round to lead the fight against domestic violence."

(chron.com)

Texans' Johnson: New QB Schaub 'a leader'

Apr/03/07 08:03 PM

HOUSTON (April 3, 2007) -- Andre Johnson and Matt Schaub stood on the practice field chatting and laughing, smiles planted firmly on their faces.

It didn't take long for the Houston Texans' quiet Pro Bowl receiver to warm up to his new quarterback. On the first day of Houston's voluntary offseason workouts, the two looked like old friends.

"Every time we see each other we're just talking, trying to learn things about each other," Johnson said.

Many of the Texans joined Johnson and Schaub at the 45-minute conditioning workout, including last year's top draft pick Mario Williams and newly acquired running back Ahman Green.

Schaub came to Houston to replace David Carr in a trade March 22. Johnson thinks he's already got a feel for the former Falcons backup in a short time.

"Just from looking at the way he walks around the locker room and things like that, you can tell he's a leader," Johnson said. "That's something you want to have at the quarterback position."

Texans revamp Johnson's deal to $60 million, 8 years for cap leverage

Mar/05/07 12:38 PM

The Texans have restructured the contract of receiver Andre Johnson to free up $6 million under the salary cap to pursue free agents.

On the day when quarterback Jeff Garcia signed with Tampa Bay, and the Buccaneers also completed the trade with Denver for quarterback Jake Plummer, Johnson got an eight-year, $60-million deal that includes $15 million in guaranteed money.

"I've enjoyed my first four years in Houston, and I'm excited about finishing my career with the Texans," Johnson said today. "I'd like to thank (owner) Mr. (Bob) McNair for showing so much confidence in me. I'd like to thank our great fans for supporting me. I'm looking forward to us achieving our goals of bringing a winner to the city."

Texans' Johnson gears up for Pro Bowl

Feb/11/07 10:23 AM

Even in the comfortable surroundings of Hawaii, Andre Johnson is careful not to become complacent.

Trips to the Pro Bowl in two of the last three years aren't enough for the 25-year-old wide receiver. Starting for the first time alongside fellow AFC stars Peyton Manning, Chad Johnson and LaDainian Tomlinson isn't enough for him.

Andre Johnson wants to become a fixture at a game that recognizes the NFL's best athletes.

"This is a place I want to be every year," Johnson said via phone from Hawaii. "I'm just going to do all I can to make the Pro Bowl every season."