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Boy, it really stunk to come home last night that Andre Johnson and the Houston Texans were calling it quits after 12 years. Whatever happened to staying together for the kids?
Of course it hurts, but hopefully this means the team is now "growing up" as an organization by putting away the Legos and making some grown-up choices. Part of what makes the NFL so popular is also what makes it so ruthless. Teams aren't bound to contracts as strictly as they are in other leagues, and thus can rebuild a broken roster much faster by getting out of fat cap hits. The savviest teams always seem to know when to eject a player to a bottom-feeding team before they become a burden. Hopefully, this is a step towards the Texans becoming one of the former.
It'll never feel right that Andre Johnson is not a Texan, but it's the right thing for both sides. Thank you for everything, 'Dre.
Now for the Twitter reactions!
Players
Man! This hurts! @johnson80 is what every pro should try to be. Biz is biz but really hoped that he and #Texans could make it work.
— Chester M. Pitts II (@ChesterPitts) March 3, 2015
To all the fans that are upset in this moment: Remember this when players try to maximize their salaries! #itsabusiness @johnson80
— Chester M. Pitts II (@ChesterPitts) March 3, 2015
Legend. pic.twitter.com/24C6ISZBJC
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) March 3, 2015
Andre Johnson. The @HoustonTexans Greatest Player Ever. For 12 years, he gave everything he had to this city ON & OFF the field SALUTE him ✊
— Wade Smith (@Smitty74allday) March 3, 2015
I swear if the Texans release @johnson80 there's no way any fan of the NFL should ever talk crazy about a player going to a team that pays
— Derrick Ward (@derrickward32) March 3, 2015
A lot of people are not happy in Houston right now. @johnson80 carried that franchise for by himself for bout for yrs.
— VontaLeach44 (@vleach44) March 3, 2015
It was an honor playing two years with @johnson80. G.O.A.T!!! #hof
— Matt Leinart (@MattLeinartQB) March 3, 2015
Media
Man, the #Texans did Andre Johnson just dirty. The back story here is truly unbelievable...
— nick wright (@getnickwright) March 3, 2015
At the time I called Dez the next Andre Johnson. 5 years later the Texans need to free themselves of AJ's money & find the next AJ.
— Jayson Braddock (@JaysonBraddock) March 2, 2015
Andre Johnson will go down as one of the best #Texans ever. There is no question about it and some should not be surprised by this outcome.
— PDS (@PatDStat) March 3, 2015
Texans to try to trade Andre Johnson or will cut him, per @McClain_on_NFL. To which every GM will say "We'll wait until you cut him"
— Andrew Brandt (@adbrandt) March 3, 2015
I understand business but u don't simply cut ties with a player like @johnson80, it's not too early to have the statue erect in front of NRG
— N.D. Kalu (@NDKalu) March 3, 2015
Fans
Who remember when Andre Johnson gave Courtland Finnegan the hands?
— Tyco (@Ash_No_Ketchum) March 2, 2015
Got dammit. What a loss!! The end of an era. #AndreJohnson
— Devi (@DeviDev) March 3, 2015
This city loves @johnson80 so much. My entire timeline is field w/friend changing their pics to them and Dre. He has been the ❤️ of us.
— Hollie (@TexanHollie) March 3, 2015
Best Texans duo ever. #Texans @johnson80 pic.twitter.com/yvkDMOfmdM
— Case Keenum-isms (@CaseKeenumisms) March 3, 2015
I hope @johnson80 comes back to haunt the Texans. Dude never had a legit QB & still put up HOF numbers.
— Gary Owen (@garyowencomedy) March 3, 2015
Andre to [Insert My Favorite Team]!!!!!11
Andre Johnson the new Steve Smith Sr. Send him to philly let's win a championship
— WiseTurtle (@Joseph_Dabbs21) March 3, 2015
Andre Johnson to Lions
— Steve (@papastevee) March 3, 2015
Andre Johnson to the Patriots?
— KDG (@KiDDaGamer) March 3, 2015
I really like the Saints grab a vet CB and draft LB in 1st rd. Maybe make a splash. Andre Johnson?
— Stormy Plute (@stormyt0014) March 3, 2015
@dallascowboys ya should consider getting @johnson80... He's a good player and a good look for the team!
— SHADEZ (@Shadez713) March 3, 2015
In an offense he knows well, Andre Johnson opposite of @DemaryiusT with @ESanders_10 working the slot could be really awesome.
— JoelDreessen (@JoelDreessen) March 3, 2015
Would absolutely LOVE for the Dolphins to sign Andre Johnson still think he has a couple of years left
— Daniel Eliesen (@DanielEliesen) March 3, 2015
"@CoolAssMikeyy: Andre Johnson needs to come to my chargers" preach
— Scooby Wigglesnatch (@_ChildishChase_) March 3, 2015
Dear #AndreJohnson please think of the #Colts please.
— Antonio T. Smith, Jr (@revtonywau) March 3, 2015
Cordelle Patterson, Greg Jennings, And Andre Johnson Would Be A Nice Ass Recieving Core For Teddy Bridgewater❗❗ @Vikings
— Jamonteneze...❗️ (@jamonteneze1) March 3, 2015
I don't like y'all signing old players but Andre Johnson wouldn't be a bad idea just for 2 years @AtlantaFalcons
— JaynairDock (@JaynairDock) March 3, 2015
If the skins could get suh and Andre Johnson we would be nice lol
— Chibuzo Osuchukwu (@TreyBallBuzo) March 3, 2015
The chances are crazy slim but @johnson80 coming to the @packers if he's cut would be huge if we dont resign Randall
— Evan Fonseca ¤ (@Evd95) March 3, 2015