Andre Johnson Hall of Fame nod gives Texans their first major piece of NFL history

The Houston Texans are officially now a part of the Pro Football Hall of Fame thanks to wide receiver Andre Johnson being set for induction in the 2024 class. He is the first Texans player to earn that honor and gives the franchise its first major piece of NFL history.

For the initial 22 years of their existence, the Texans have largely been an afterthought in the NFL landscape. 

They are one of four franchises (joining Cleveland, Detroit and Jacksonville) that has never played in a Super Bowl, they have never reached an AFC Championship gam and they have won just five playoff games overall. 

Until Thursday, they were one of the only teams in the league that had yet to see a player make the Hall of Fame.

The latter note will finally change with the induction of Johnson. 

It is fitting that Johnson is the first Texan to get that honor as he was the franchise's first true superstar.

Houston selected Johnson with the No. 3 overall pick in 2003 NFL Draft and he became an immediate star in their offense despite never really having a truly standout quarterback throwing him the ball. He led the league in receptions and receiving yardage twice and was a two-time first-team All-Pro. Johnson was not only one of the best wide receivers of his era, he is now going to be remembered as one of the best wide receivers of all time. 

It capped off a significant night in Texans franchise history, as Houston also saw quarterback C.J. Stroud and edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. take home the offensive and defensive rookie of the year awards, respectively, while head coach Demeco Ryans narrowly missed out on winning the coach of the year award. 

The presence of Stroud, Anderson Jr. and Ryans has to give Texans fans some hope that their wait for a Super Bowl appearance might finally end in the near future. In the meantime Johnson's enshrinement in the Hall of Fame finally gives them a milestone moment – their first – in their franchise's existence.