LAS VEGAS -- Andre Johnson was at a loss for words as he opened the door to see Cris Carter smiling back at him in a gold jacket.
He knew the moment that had been building for three years officially arrived.
Johnson, who officially became the first Houston Texans player inducted into the Hall of Fame as a member of the 2024 Class Thursday evening, recently captured the moment when he found out about the decision. In the NFL, former greats often greet future inductees at their homes to deliver the news.
Carter, one of the top pass-catchers of the 1990s, was waiting for open arms to welcome Johnson at the home of his agent Kevin McGuire in Canton, Ohio.
Johnson was shocked and later was overcome with emotions to know the wait the finally over. The Texans' all-time leader in every receiving category had been on the ballot for two seasons prior to 2023.
“I’m just trying to embrace everything,” Johnson said. “I got a chance to compete against all these guys. And to be up there with them, it’s a surreal moment to be going in with these guys. I’m just embracing it and enjoying every moment of it.
Joining Johnson as a member of the 2024 class are defensive end Dwight Freeney, linebacker Randy Gradishar, return man Devin Hester, defensive lineman Steve McMichael, defensive end Julius Peppers, and linebacker Patrick Willis. The seven players will be inducted into the Hall on Aug. 3 following the Hall of Fame Game on Aug. 1.
Drafted third overall out of Miami in 2003, Johnson spent 12 of his 14 seasons in Houston. He quickly became the Texans’ top player and the first major name for the franchise that was founded in 2002.
Johnson totaled 1,062 receptions and 14,185 receiving yards in his career, both ranking 11th in NFL history. His 70 receiving touchdowns are tied for 49th all-time. He also earned seven Pro Bowl selections and a pair of first-team All-Pro nods.
For Johnson, being the first Texans player elected to the Hall of Fame was something he'll always appreciate. In 2017, he was the first player inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor at NRG Stadium and now becomes the first play to join the 378 names that will live in football immortality.
“For me, this is something that my kids and grandkids, this is something they can see what type of legacy their grandfather has," Johnson said following the NFL Awards on Thursday night.
Johnson's reaction, along with the six other inductees, will air will on a special “Hall of Fame Knocks: Welcome to Canton,” at 8 p.m. CT this Saturday on NFL Network.
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