5 best moments from Andre Johnson's NFL career
Andre Johnson announced his retirement from the NFL on Monday. While the 35-year-old's Hall of Fame credentials will be debated in the coming weeks and months (Johnson is ninth all-time in NFL career receptions, 10th all-time in receiving, and a seven-time Pro Bowler), what's undeniable is that he produced some truly memorable moments.
Let's run down Johnson's five best:
5. Two TDs in return to Houston
In his first game back in Houston after 12 seasons with the team, Johnson scored two touchdowns to lead the rival Indianapolis Colts to a 27-20 win.
4. Burning Peterson for a pair
Johnson put up 1,407 yards in 2013, his last season as a high-end receiver, but scored only five touchdowns. Two of them came in a Week 10 game in Arizona, where he scored two very pretty touchdowns on All-Pro cornerback Patrick Peterson.
3. No denying him
At his peak, Johnson was a tank with the ball in his hands. Like on this 2009 play, where three Arizona Cardinals defenders weren't enough to deny him of a touchdown:
2. 14 catches for 273 yards
Everything clicked for Johnson in a Week 12, 2012 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Houston. Johnson burned his opponent for 14 catches and 273 yards - 13th most in NFL single-game history - including a game-winning 48-yard touchdown in overtime.
1. Down goes Finnegan
Before Josh Norman and Odell Beckham Jr. battled on the field, Johnson showed the football world what it really means to take on a pesky cornerback and come out on top. Johnson and the Tennessee Titans' Cortland Finnegan were both ejected for this 2010 melee. Only one of them got the snot beat out of him - and it wasn't Johnson.
(Video courtesy: NFL.com)