The 2024 NFL Hall of Fame selections have been announced, and one of them is perennial wide receiver Andre Johnson. Johnson started his career with the Houston Texans and then played for the Indianapolis Colts and the Tennessee Titans.
Johnson was a force on the field, ranking 11th all-time in receiving yards with 14,185. He was recognized for his spectacular playmaking skills, which former Texans and Lions cornerback Glover Quin recalls well.
Quin recalled having to cover Johnson during his debut season on Bleav in Lions.
“But he was the assistant DB coach, so every time he called me during the draft, he would say, ‘Hey man, GQ. You know, if we draft you, you won’t be afraid to cover Andre Johnson, right? In practice, you won’t be afraid to cover Andre, right? And I’m like, ‘Nah, I ain’t scared.'”
via Glover Quin.
Quin recalls being asked whether he was worried of covering Johnson in practice if drafted, but he was not. However, he underestimated the size of the eventual Hall of Famer.
“So they end up drafting me, and I get to practice on my first day of OTAs, and they put me in the slot. Andre Johnson was the first person I had to cover in a team setting.
“And, you know, Andre was a huge guy. I was terrified to talk to Andre. You know, I was a young man.
Quin was so terrified by Johnson that he didn’t dare to speak with him during practice. That makes sense given Johnson’s dynamic personality and playing style.
Johnson was far into his career as a spectacular wide receiver, while not yet been inducted into the Hall of Fame. Quin ultimately bonded with Johnson, but he had to get the bravery to approach the renowned wide receiver.
