On Thursday, former Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson was informed that he was a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. He becomes the first player in franchise history to be named a finalist.

Johnson, the inaugural inductee into the Houston Texans Ring of Honor, started 169 games for the Texans from 2003-14. He led the team in receptions and receiving yards in 10 of those seasons. He also set the single-season franchise record for receptions with 115 in 2008 and receiving yards with 1,598 in 2012. Johnson also had a stretch of 133 consecutive games played with a reception (11/6/05 to 12/21/14) and scored 64 career touchdowns with the Texans, marking the second-most in franchise history.

“It means a lot,” said Johnson. “I always tell people that you don’t play the game to become a Hall of Famer. You play the game to be a great player and help the team be successful. I don’t think it has really set in yet. It’s a tremendous honor. I’m thankful to the Hall of Fame committee for voting me as a finalist. It’s the biggest achievement you can have as a football player other than winning a Super Bowl. I’m excited about it, very humbled, and very appreciative of the people who helped me throughout my career.”

Johnson was drafted third overall in the 2003 NFL Draft out of the University of Miami (Fla.), played 12 seasons with the Texans. He is the franchise’s all-time leader in nearly every receiving category, including career receptions (1,012), receiving yards (13,597), receiving touchdowns (64), and 100-yard games (51).

He was a four-time All-Pro selection and seven-time Pro Bowler who finished his career with 1,062 receptions for 14,185 yards and 70 touchdowns.

Once the announcement was made, Johnson received congratulations from his former team, Houston Texans.

“Congratulations to Andre on this tremendous honor,” said Texans Co-Founder and Senior Chair Janice McNair. “Andre is not just a Hall of Fame player, but a Hall of Fame person and friend. He has accomplished so much on and off the field. We are grateful for his contributions to the Texans and our city. Andre holds a special place in our hearts.”

“I’m thrilled that Andre is getting the recognition he deserves,” said Texans Chair and CEO Cal McNair. “From the day we drafted him in 2003 throughout his entire career, Andre was everything we could have asked for in a player and person.

The Hall of Fame selection committee will reveal their 2022 Class at NFL Honors on February 10 during the week leading up to Super Bowl LVI in California.