Andre Johnson is Houston's No. 1 athlete, and No. 2 isn't close. After that? Oh boy.

John and Lance threw the topic out this morning and not in a particularly positive sense. Once upon a time, we had big-name professional athletes: Hakeem Olajuwon, Clyde Drexler, Roger Clemens, Craig Biggio, Andy Pettitte, Jeff Bagwell, Earl Campbell, etc.

Now? We've got almost no one who raises an eyebrow around the country. Andre Johnson is held in high regard by opponents, but he doesn't get the respect he deserves because the franchise has been run so poorly. Come to think of it, who do we have?

Here's my Top 10:

1. Andre Johnson. I have no idea what his national profile is, but he's great on the field and off. It's a crying shame his best years have so far been on a terrible team.

2. Mario Williams. He has yet to become the game-wrecking defensive player he was supposed to be, but he's still one of the few Texans virtually every NFL fan knows.

3. Matt Schaub. I don't know of anyone on the Rockets or Astros who is more well known around America. He didn't have his best year in 2010, but if the Texans ever got really good, he might shoot to No. 1.

4. Arian Foster. This is where things got tough. I couldn't think of an Astro or Rocket with a higher profile. Fantasy leaguers love Arian Foster and serious NFL fans came to appreciate his greatness in 2010. As with the first three, he could be a really big star if the Texans started to win.

5. Brett Myers. I thought about putting Kevin Kolb No. 1 overall, but since he doesn't play for the Astros, Texans or Rockets, he's not eligible. He was a big deal in Philly, which raises his presence around the country. I think.

6. Aaron Brooks. I told you this wasn't going to be easy.

7. Shane Battier. Once upon a time, he was a household name. That was back when he was a Blue Devil. Since then, he has disappeared into the black hole of Houston sports.

8. Brittney Griner. Sure, I said she wasn't eligible. I changed my mind.

9. Kevin Kolb. See above.

10.Clutch.

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



(chron.com)