http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/story/13710168/texans-star-wideout-johnson-agree-to-career-extension HOUSTON -- Andre Johnson got the deal he wanted and says he's committed to playing for the Houston Texans for his entire career. The All-Pro receiver signed a two-year extension on Thursday that will keep him in Houston through the 2016 season. Andre Johnson is the league's best receiver, the Texans say after fattening his contract. (AP) Neither the Texans nor Johnson's agent, Kennard McGuire, would disclose terms. The Houston Chronicle and KRIV-TV reported that Johnson's extension had a maximum value of $38.5 million, including $13 million guaranteed. Johnson said he was satisfied. "There's nothing I can complain about," he said. "For me to be in the situation I was in, for this to happen, it just speaks a lot to the people we have in the organization and the owner we have. It's a first-class organization. I'm very happy right now." Johnson has led the league in receiving yards the past two seasons and topped 100 catches in three of the past four. He has the NFL's highest receiving yards average (90.2 per game) since 2006. Team owner Bob McNair envisions Johnson becoming the franchise's first Hall of Fame inductee, and he never wants to see him play for another team. "Andre is in a special class, and I think the action we've taken is a reflection of how we view Andre," McNair said. "It's important to us that Andre have one home, and that's with the Texans." The 29-year-old Johnson had five years left on his old contract, but told McNair and Texans GM Rick Smith earlier this year that he wanted a new deal. The soft-spoken receiver caused a stir when he skipped three voluntary workouts in May and brought his desire for a new contract to light. But his absence, and the media attention it drew, made Johnson uneasy and he arrived on time to training camp, hoping that the ongoing negotiations wouldn't become a distraction. "I can't say that the offseason wasn't a little bit frustrating, just sitting at home and thinking about contract things," he said. "Once I came in, I put it behind me and I let my agent handle it. As you can see, it worked out, so I'm very excited about it." After the first team workout, McNair said he hoped to sign Johnson to a restructured contract within two weeks. The two sides agreed to terms in less than half that time. "I always said I wanted to play for one team," Johnson said, "and to be able to play for the Houston Texans for the rest of my career, it's a tremendous honor." The Texans drafted Johnson third overall in 2003, the expansion franchise's second year of existence. The team re-signed him to an eight-year contract in 2007. Houston finished with losing records in Johnson's first four seasons as he blossomed into one of the NFL's top receivers. He made the Pro Bowl in 2005 and '07, then led the league in receptions (115) and receiving yards (1,575) in 2008. The Texans went 9-7 last year, their first winning record, and Johnson said the franchise's improvement was a big reason why he wanted to stay here. "I always said I wanted to be a part of something special," he said. "I know coming to a new organization, things were going to be a little rough in the beginning. Now, I feel like things have taken that turn for us. I'm very excited for this upcoming season." McGuire, whose clients include Brandon Marshall and Javon Walker, said the negotiations were amicable. "When good people come together, good things happen," he said. McNair and Smith said they wouldn't normally consider redoing a player's contract with so much time left on it. But he said Johnson's value to the team created special circumstances. Johnson is the first receiver since Jerry Rice to lead the league in receiving yards in consecutive seasons. He joined Indianapolis' Marvin Harrison as the only other receiver to surpass 1,500 receiving yards on back-to-back years. "We just feel like he's in a class of his own," Smith said. "You know, if I do have a player or two that may want to come upstairs and talk about this, I may send them back and tell them to get some skins on the wall like he has and come back and see me." Er Sorry Mods..Been out of pocket all day and didn't check the Texans Offseason Thread...I was surprised this didn't have its own thread. Feel free to lock er up.
He is worth a lot more than this. But, nonetheless, welcome back again, Señor Johnson. You are a STALLION among mules.
Good for the Texans for making there star happy...my only problem with this is that it just shows others that you reward someone when they throw a tantrum...I'm not saying he didn't deserve it, I'm just saying it just sets a bad precedent...
What tantrum? He stated his case and admitted publicly his mistake when this first came out. Then, he showed up to camp and hasn't missed a practice. If he was acting like Daryl Revis, then I'd understand your point. But since he's doing the work and being the team leader that he is, I guarantee you not one person in that camp feels like he doesn't deserve it. AJ did it exactly how we all say we want these guys to do it.
I should have read his sig first. He's conditioned to his favorite professional football players being crybaby publicity hoars.
As a friend said, this is what happens when you shutup and play football. Mad props to the Texans and congrats to Andre for being patient
No it doesnt...Smith's quote: Basically, you dont get this treatment unless you are the face of a franchise and you've been All-World for a number of seasons. If Okoye wants a new contract, the front office would laugh...and then quickly insert Mitchell into the starting lineup.
Well deserved and after the press conference I wanted to give him a couple million more of Bob's money. All class, wants to be here and will be the first Texans hall of famer. PAY THE MAN. Dunta Robinson? Front officed showed what happens to a over-inflated ego Texans bashing loser. Do the rights things, work hard and be deserving you will get paid by the Texans. (even with 5 years left - that shows the rest of the NFL and future FA's the Texans do stuff the right way.) Win all around.
Wow, I had literally erased this guy from my memory. Seeing his name again makes me laugh. That dude is a joke.
When is the last time a contract dispute got handled this effectively, efficiently, and politely? McNair and Johnson are class.
How can anyone not love Andre Johnson? He's quietly (arguably) the best receiver in football, and he lets his play do the talking. The antithesis of the media whoring Ochocino or the T.O diva mentality. Good for him.
We need an Andre Johnson appreciation thread with all the love he gets...no doubt he deserves it all and more
