How Complex is Houston Texans Wide Receiver Andre Johnson?

"There will be football this year. There will be football this year. There will be football this year." You know those self-help gurus who say that you can will stuff into existence? Yeah, we're not sure if they're all they're cracked up to be either, but just in case, repeat the aforementioned mantra a few times today to be sure.

The lockout has to end soon, and when (not if!) it does, Andre Johnson will be ready. In eight seasons with the Houston Texans, the University of Miami product has solidified his spot as the top wide receiver in the game, including three straight All Pro selections. He's spent much of the lockout working out with fellow alums at The U, but he took a few minutes out of his schedule to talk to us about Halle Berry, the most famous person in his cell phone, and why Rick Ross's "I'm Not a Star" perfectly sums up his own life.

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What’s your favorite song of the moment? Andre Johnson: The thing I listen to the most right now is Rick Ross - “I’m Not A Star.”

What about that song in particular? Andre Johnson: I think the title pretty much describes itself. I’m not a star. I just look at it just like I’m a normal person. That's the way I approach things. By being an elite athlete a lot of people think that you can go away or go places and get away with things. I’m more of the laid-back person. I don’t have to go and skip the line. I don’t have a problem waiting.

And obviously Rick Ross is a Miami dude, so that has some resonance, right? Andre Johnson: Yeah, definitely. You know, you always support guys from your hometown. And I had the chance to meet him out in L.A. during [NBA] All-Star Weekend. He’s a real good dude.

If you had to pick one pair of Jordans, which would it be? Andre Johnson: I like the 9’s, black and gray.

What’s the most money you ever spent on an item of a clothing? Andre Johnson: Probably like three grand on a leather jacket.

When did you pick that up? Andre Johnson: About four months ago.

And you mentioned not being the dude that has to get in the front of the line. Was there a time where you first came in to the league where that was something you wanted to do? Andre Johnson: I’ve never been that kind of person. I’ve always been the more laid-back more humble guy. I don’t have to be in the limelight, you know? If I’m in club I’m gonna be in the corner. I don’t have to have all the sparkles on the bottles and all that stuff.

What celebrity is in your Wifey Hall of Fame? Andre Johnson: Halle Berry.

Is there a particular era of Halle Berry that you’re fond of, or just her overall? Andre Johnson: Nah, just her period. Her and Paula Patton.

Favorite alcoholic drink? Andre Johnson: Ciroc, coconut on the rocks.

Current video game obsession? Andre Johnson: Two games – either Madden or NBA 2K11.

Whom do you play with in Madden? Andre Johnson: I play with anybody—I don’t play with myself. I always tell people I’m a fan of the game also. So, I play with anybody.

Dream ride? Andre Johnson: I’ve had a lot of cars. [Laughs.] Probably the Drophead Phantom, the convertible Rolls Royce. That’s probably the top of the line besides the Bugatti. I’m not spending a million dollars for a car. [Laughs.]

Coveted tech product? Andre Johnson: My laptop.

What do you use? Andre Johnson: A Mac.

So you just kind of carry that around with you all of the time? Andre Johnson: Majority of the time. I’m not on it a lot. I just make sure it’s with me.

What's your favorite city to visit? Andre Johnson: I spend most of my time in Miami, but I’m from there so… Other than that I don’t really have one to be honest.

Who’s the most famous person in your cellphone? Andre Johnson: Probably Michael Irvin.

You’ve known him from since when you first were in school at Miami right? Andre Johnson: I think I met him my freshman year and it’s been all love since then.

What have you been doing during the lockout? Andre Johnson: Just back in Miami training, working out down at The U. Trying to make sure I’m ready for when everything gets worked out.

That’s probably not that much different than your normal offseason routine, right? Andre Johnson: It was different this year because we didn’t have any offseason training and stuff with the team. But, I prefer to be in Miami training anyway. I feel that’s where I get what I need to get done. When I leave there I know that I’m ready.

Click here to order Andre Johnson’s proCane Rookie Card.


(complex.com)