Sports

Colts Sign Veteran WR Andre Johnson

Published

11 years ago

March 12, 2015

In this Dec. 28, 2014, file photo, Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson (80) makes a reception as Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Demetrius McCray (35) defends during the second half of an NFL football game in Houston. (AP Photo/Patric Schneider, File)

MICHAEL MAROT, AP Sports Writer

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Andre Johnson just wanted a chance to win a championship.

Indianapolis, with Andrew Luck, seemed like the perfect landing spot.

So Wednesday, two days after the Texans released their longtime star, the 33-year-old receiver signed a three-year deal with the Colts. Terms were not immediately available.

Johnson will replace one of his closest friends, Reggie Wayne, and team up with another, Frank Gore, to chase a Super Bowl title.

“That’s what we came here for,” Johnson said when asked if he and former college teammate Gore were the missing pieces.

“Other than that, I don’t know what else to tell you. We came here to win and accomplish that ultimate goal.”

While Johnson fills the void left by Wayne, a 14-year veteran who spent his career in Indy after playing with Johnson at the University of Miami, the circumstances are a bit awkward.

Three years ago, when Wayne was a free agent, Johnson tried to get Wayne to join him in Houston. Instead, Wayne gave Indianapolis a hometown discount.

There was some thought that Wayne would try to talk Johnson into joining the Colts this time, but team owner Jim Irsay announced the Colts would not re-sign Wayne.

“I think it’s just the nature of the business,” Johnson said. “He (Wayne) was very happy, happy for me.”

The 6-foot-3, 230-pound University of Miami star also seems like a perfect fit into the offseason plan of Colts general manager Ryan Grigson, too.

Indy has aggressively pursued proven veterans over the first two days of free agency, landing three new faces — 32-year-old linebacker Trent Cole, 29-year-old defensive end Kendall Langford and Gore, a 31-year-old running back. The Colts also re-signed 34-year-old safety Mike Adams.

Gore’s three-year, $12 million deal, agent Drew Rosenhaus said, includes $6.5 million in bonuses, $7.5 million in guaranteed money and $8.5 million over the first two years.

That, Luck’s presence and the Colts’ playoff plans were enough to convince Gore to back out of a proposed deal with Philadelphia.

“When you play this game, you play this game to win a championship, win a Super Bowl,” Gore said. “We both feel that the Colts have a great chance to get there.

“Each year, every year since Andrew Luck’s been the quarterback, they took a step in the playoffs. I feel like before I leave this game, I want to win a championship. This is the best team, the best situation for me to get there.”

Johnson had exactly the same thought.

After spending all of his previous 12 NFL seasons in Houston with quarterbacks such as Matt Schaub, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Ryan Mallett, T.J. Yates and Case Keenum, Johnson will now get a chance to play with the most talented quarterback of his career.

Johnson still thrived in Houston. He went to seven Pro Bowls, was selected to two All-Pros, had five 100-catch seasons and set Houston’s franchise records for receptions (1,012), yards receiving (13,597) and touchdown catches (64).

He holds the NFL record with 21 games with 10 or more receptions and 100 or more yards receiving. Johnson also has 10 games with at least 10 receptions and 150 yards receiving, tied with Jerry Rice for the most in NFL history.

But the Texans made only two playoff appearances during that time, and Johnson figured his time in Houston was running out.

“It bothered me a little bit because people tell you they want you to be a Texan for life, they want you to retire as a Texan, and then at the end of the year, they let you go,” he said. “But like I said, at the end of the year, I just had kind of a feeling.”

Johnson and Gore flew to Indianapolis on Tuesday night.

Gore agreed to the deal pretty quickly.

Johnson, however, spent the night in Indy before returning to the team complex Wednesday.

One noticeable change: Johnson said he will wear No. 81, not his normal No. 80, because he’s starting a new chapter of his life.

What really convinced Johnson?

He wanted a chance to play with Luck, a promising young group of receivers and on a team with a chance to win a Super Bowl.

“I wanted to be in a place that had a stable quarterback, and I believe Andrew is arguably the best quarterback in the game,” Johnson said. “I just felt like this was the best place where I could win a championship. This is what it’s all about.”

___

AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

Up Next

Chip Kelly Won’t ‘Mortgage Future’ on Marcus Mariota

Don't Miss

Report: Patriots Sign Pass Rusher Jabaal Sheard, WR Brandon Gibson & Others

Oakland Post

Click to comment

Alameda County

Seth Curry Makes Impressive Debut with the Golden State Warriors

Seth looked comfortable in his new uniform, seamlessly fitting into the Warriors’ offensive and defensive system. He finished the night with an impressive 14 points, becoming one of the team’s top scorers for the game. Seth’s points came in a variety of ways – floaters, spot-up three-pointers, mid-range jumpers, and a handful of aggressive drives that kept the Oklahoma City Thunder defense on its heels.

Published

1 week ago

December 4, 2025

Oakland Post

Seth Curry is a point guard on the GSW team.Photo courtesy of the Golden State Warriors.

By Y’Anad Burrell

Tuesday night was anything but ordinary for fans in San Francisco as Seth Curry made his highly anticipated debut as a new member of the Golden State Warriors. Seth didn’t disappoint, delivering a performance that not only showcased his scoring ability but also demonstrated his added value to the team.

At 35, the 12-year NBA veteran on Monday signed a contract to play with the Warriors for the rest of the season.

One of the most memorable moments of the evening came before Seth even scored his first points. As he checked into the game, the Chase Center erupted into applause, with fans rising to their feet to give the newest Warrior a standing ovation.

The crowd’s reaction was a testament not only to Seth’s reputation as a sharpshooter but also to the excitement he brings to the Warriors. It was clear that fans quickly embraced Seth as one of their own, eager to see what he could bring to the team’s championship aspirations.

Warriors’ superstar Steph Curry – Seth’s brother – did not play due to an injury. One could only imagine what it would be like if the Curry brothers were on the court together. Magic in the making.

Seth’s debut proved to be a turning point for the Warriors. Not only did he contribute on the scoreboard, but he also brought a sense of confidence and composure to the floor.

While their loss last night, OKC 124 – GSW 112, Seth’s impact was a game-changer and there’s more yet to come. Beyond statistics, it was clear that Seth’s presence elevated the team’s performance, giving the Warriors a new force as they look to make a deep playoff run.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

Barbara Lee

WNBA’s Golden State Valkyries Kick Off Season with Community Programs in Oakland

“The Golden State Valkyries are more than a team—they’re a movement,” said Oakland Interim-Mayor Kevin Jenkins. “Their touchdown in Oakland marks a new era of opportunity, inspiration, and equity in sports. This partnership reflects our city’s deep commitment to uplifting women, investing in youth, and building a community where every dream has a place to grow. We’re proud to welcome the Valkyries to The Town.”

Published

7 months ago

May 18, 2025

Oakland Post

The Valkyries came to Oakland City Hall with a “Hoopbus.” Present were (from left to right): City Councilmembers Noel Gallo, Rebecca Kaplan, Zac Unger and Rowena Brown; Oakland Mayor-elect Barbara Lee, Valkyries President Jess Smith, a Valkyries team representative and Deputy Mayor LaNiece Jones. Photo courtesy Rebecca Kaplan’s office.

Team installs new nets at playgrounds, holds flag-raisings at City Halls in Oakland and S.F.

Special to The Post

The Golden State Valkyries brought the excitement of their inaugural season to every corner of the Bay Area with a full slate of community celebrations leading up to their historic home-opener against the Los Angeles Sparks at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Friday.

The week featured flag-raising ceremonies at city halls in Oakland and San Francisco, three “Violet Net” installation days at Oakland parks to encourage basketball play, fun “Hoopbus” takeovers at multiple schools presented by Kaiser Permanente, and player appearances.

In total, 90 violet nets were installed on 45 basketball courts across 34 public parks throughout Oakland this week. A list of the parks receiving violet nets can be found at Valkyries.com.

About the Golden State Valkyries

The Golden State Valkyries, the WNBA affiliate of the seven-time NBA Champion Golden State Warriors, were announced as the 13th WNBA franchise on Oct. 5, 2023. According to Norse mythology, Valkyries are a host of warrior women who are fearless and unwavering – flying through air and sea alike.

This brand is Golden State’s modern interpretation of Valkyries: strong, bold, and fierce. Tipping off during the 2025 WNBA season, the team is headquartered in Oakland and will play home games at Chase Center in San Francisco. For Golden State Valkyries’ assets, including team logos, visit valkyries.com.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

Activism

McClymonds High Names School Gym for Star Graduate, Basketball Legend Bill Russell

William “Bill” Felton Russell was born on Feb. 12, 1934, and died on July 31, 2022. He achieved fame as a U.S. professional basketball player who played center for the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1956 to 1969. He was the centerpiece of the Celtics dynasty that won 11 NBA championships during his 13-year career.

Published

10 months ago

February 18, 2025

Oakland Post

Bill Russell and Brian McGhee in McClymonds High School Gym, 2011. Photo courtesy of Brian McGhee.

By Ken Epstein

West Oakland’s McClymonds High School, “the School of Champions,” this week named the school’s gymnasium in honor of one of its most famous graduates, basketball legend Bill Russell (class of ’52).

Russell is widely known as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. In 2011, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the country’s highest civil honor, from President Barack Obama for Russell’s contributions to basketball and the Civil Rights Movement.

The McClymonds’ naming ceremony was held on Wednesday, the same day as Russell’s birthday. Oakland leader Bill Patterson, a longtime friend of Russell’s, was scheduled to cut the ribbon at the reopening of the gym, which had been closed for several months for renovation. Russell’s daughter Karen was scheduled to attend the ribbon cutting.

Russell’s name and signature are now printed on the gymnasium floor.

Patterson was working at DeFremery Park when he met Russell. “I befriended him as a boy and during his years at University of San Francisco” said Patterson. “We stayed friends for the rest of his life.”

Said McClymonds Principal Darielle Davis, herself a McClymonds graduate, “We are excited to honor Bill Russell for his sports accolades and because he broke color barriers. He is part of our legacy, and legacy is really important at McClymonds.”

Brian McGhee, community schools manager at McClymonds and former football player at UC Berkeley, said that Russell meant a lot to him and others at the school. “He was a beacon of light and hope for West Oakland,” he said. “He did a lot for sports and for civil rights.”

Starting in 2018, Ben “Coach” Tapscott worked with Patterson and other McClymonds grads, community members, and former coaches to encourage the Oakland Board of Education to endorse the naming of the school gym, which finally happened recently.

“We worked hard to make this happen,” said Tapscott. “He’s an important part of McClymond’s history, along with a lot of other famous graduates,” he said.