For the past two seasons, Andre Johnson's been reinforcing the fact that he's the closest thing to the sustained, later career excellence of Jerry Rice that anyone is liable to ever see. Johnson — whose status as the Greatest Houston Texan ever was long ago secure — just keeps racking up monster numbers.
Through quarterback changes. Through great team runs. Through historic franchise slumps.
No. 80 just keeps catching the football. And making the time to deliver some heartwarming assists during the holiday season.
The kids had 80 seconds each — some of them probably wished Johnson picked No. 99 back in the day — to complete their mission.
In the midst of arguably his best individual season ever — and his team's worst season ever — Andre Johnson once again found the time to treat kids who are often hurting in the system to a dream toy shopping spree for the seventh straight year. This time, Johnson made sure 12 kids in Child Protective Services got to enjoy every kid's dream: A shopping spree where you stuff as many toys as you can in a cart — and a famous NFL player picks up the bill and hangs out with you.
The kids had 80 seconds each — some of the kids probably wished Johnson picked No. 99 back in the day — to complete their mission. With the Texans cheerleaders playing the helpful elves. And Johnson giving each kid an extra video game system and two games to boot. Hey, you can't grab everything in 80 seconds.
So how big was Andre Johnson's bill? Try $17,352.
It all happened at the Toys "R" Us at 1212 Old Spanish Trail on Tuesday, Andre Johnson's last off day before he tries to rack up 10 catches and 100-plus yards for the 21st time in his career against the Indianapolis Colts. For more sights of the day, click through Michelle Watson's exclusive CultureMap photos (above) from the toy bonanza.
Got a great photo of a Houston happening or everyday occurrence? Send it to barbara@culturemap.com, along with details (who, what, where and why it's special). It might make our Pix of the Day.
Andre Johnson gets ready to start a kid on her 80-second toy scramble.
