3:20pm: Among the topics Johnson discussed with the Texans’ brass before he reported to camp was the possibility of a job with the franchise after he retires, says Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter). According to Rapoport, that idea is very appealing to Johnson.
11:33am: It wasn’t long ago that reports were suggesting Andre Johnson had asked the Texans to trade him, but the veteran wideout’s tune had certainly changed when he spoke to reporters in Houston today. After reporting to training camp, Johnson was asked if he intends to remain in Houston and eventually retire as a Texas. His reponse? “That’s the plan“(link via Brian T. Smith of the Houston Chronicle).
After Johnson missed the Texans’ voluntary workouts this spring, as well as their mandatory minicamp, rumors and speculation swirled on the source of his discontent, with Houston’s rebuilding process, its quarterback and offensive coordinator turnover, and a dispute over bonus money all cited as potential reasons for the receiver’s unhappiness.
In Houston today though, Johnson had nothing but praise for the franchise, commenting on the confidence and upbeat nature of the new coaching staff (Twitter link), and suggesting he wasn’t upset about the team passing on a quarterback with the No. 1 pick (Twitter link via James Palmer of CSNHouston.com). The seven-time Pro Bowler also said he thinks the franchise is “moving in the right direction” after a disappointing 2-14 season.
Once it was clear Johnson would report to camp, it seemed likely that these sort of positive comments would follow. However, the longtime Texan seemed sincere in expressing his comfort with his current situation and his desire to remain with the club for the rest of his career.