It's Time
Andre Johnson gives inspirational talk, setting up his Super Bowl vision: Texansleave wowed
Andre Johnson may not this vintage version of himself anymore. But that doesn'tmean he still cannot change a game.Photo via ToroTimes.com
With Lestar Jean limited to this one catch and Keshawn Martin getting none,Andre Johnson knew he was needed more than ever.Photo by © Michelle Watson/CultureMapSNAP.com
Andre Johnson is usually known for how little he says. No. 80 didn't become the Greatest Houston Texan Ever — a title that absolutely no one in the team's locker room would dispute — with big talk.
But on the eve of the most-anticipated season in Texans history, Johnson's 10th season with the club, the receiver decided it was time to stand in the front of the team and let his heart out.
The Saturday night before the Texans' season opener turned special when Johnson took over a team meeting.
"Everyone can see how much Andre wants it," defensive end Antonio Smith said. "That man's on a mission."
"I usually don't talk much about what goes on in our meetings, but we had a powerful team meeting last night and it was all due to him," Texans coach Gary Kubiak said. "(Andre) stood up and talked to his teammates about his career and what he wants to get out of his career . . . and what this team means to him.
"I didn't have to say a darn thing after that."
Johnson's rare talk — unprecedented in his 10 years in Houston — didn't just set the stage for Sunday's 30-10 season-opening win over the Miami Dolphins. In truth, the Texans weren't at all happy with the way they came out in Week One. No, Johnson's speech set up the whole Super season and just how much is on the line.
"I just told the guys that you never know when it's going to be your last time out on the field," Johnson said. "I told them that I don't know what's going to happen. I don't know much longer I'll be able to play this game.
"I was just basically trying to tell them that we have a great opportunity and we have to take advantage of it."
Having seen how Johnson's struggled with injuries over the last year made his words hit his teammates even harder. "Andre is Andre," all-pro tailback Arian Foster said. ". . . It's an honor to be part of his career."
Johnson still knows how to seize opportunities. On an afternoon when the Texans other wide receivers struggled, Johnson showed that sometimes one superstar is enough. He caught eight of the 10 passes thrown in his direction, racking up 119 yards and a touchdown to give a sometimes-struggling offense just enough of a threat.
For No. 80, it's more of the same. This is the 39th 100-yard game of his career.
But everything's different with the team around him — and the Super opportunity at hand.
"Everyone can see how much Andre wants it," defensive end Antonio Smith said. "That man's on a mission."
Hey, Johnson was just waiting for the right time to speak up and command the stage.
