LAS VEGAS — Andre Johnson was at a loss for words as he opened the door to see Cris Carter smiling back at him in a gold jacket.
He knew the moment that had been building for three years officially arrived.
Johnson, who officially became the first Houston Texans player inducted into the Hall of Fame as a member of the 2024 Class Thursday evening, recently captured the moment when he found out about the decision. In the NFL, former greats often greet future inductees at their homes to deliver the news.
Carter, one of the top pass-catchers of the 1990s , was waiting for open arms to welcome Johnson at the home of his agent Kevin McGuire in Canton, Ohio.
Johnson was shocked and later was overcome with emotions to know the wait the finally over. The Texans’ all-time leader in every receiving category had been on the ballot for two seasons prior to 2023.
“I’m just trying to embrace everything,” Johnson said. “I got a chance to compete against all these guys. And to be up there with them, it’s a surreal moment to be going in with these guys. I’m just embracing it and enjoying every moment of it.