On Tuesday, December 2, 2008, I had an opportunity to talk by phone with current NFL star and former University of Miami football player Andre Johnson. Johnson was at a charity event in Houston that was being held to honor him and celebrate the building of a playground at a local elementary school.
An excerpt from the media release for the event is posted below:
"The playground is part of The Home Depot NFL Neighborhood MVP program that recognizes and celebrates NFL players for their commitment to giving back to their local communities. Johnson was one of 17 players selected for his help in founding the Andre Johnson Foundation, which is committed to empowering and developing youth from single-parent homes into responsible and educated citizens. The Home Depot developed the NFL Neighborhood MVP program as part of its ongoing commitment to give back to the communities its associates live and work in."
Johnson, who helped lead UM to the 2001 National Championship and was co-MVP with Ken Dorsey in the 2002 Rose Bowl game, is a Hurricane legend for his dominating on field performances. A big, strong, physical reciever, "AJ" as he was affectionately known by UM fans, often looked like a man against boys at the college level.
In 2008, Andre has undeniably become an NFL star. In his sixth year in the league and playing for the Houston Texans, Johnson is leading the NFL in both receptions (88) and yards (1,146) this season. He is widely recognized by his peers and has been labeled by many experts as the most talented, most explosive and best overall wide receiver in the league.
It is clear that on the field, Andre Johnson has reached the pinnacle of his profession.
But maybe more important than all of his on the field achievements and accolades is his on-going work through the Andre Johnson Foundation (http://andrejohnsonfoundation.org/). His efforts and contributions have led to him being recognized as a community hero in both Houston and Miami. So much so that this year, Johnson was nominated as one of the finalists for the NFL Neighborhood MVP Award.
Here is a little more on the award from the NFL site:
Established in 2007, The Home Depot and the NFL partnered together to create 'The Home Depot NFL Neighborhood MVP' program to recognize NFL players who are making a positive impact in their local communities through charitable programs and contributions. In its inaugural year, The Home Depot Neighborhood MVP Program impacted the lives of 139,000 families and children through 17 different building projects across the country including 13 field refurbishments, three playground builds and a community center improvement project.
This year, of the 17 players who were nominated, two former Hurricanes made the list: Johnson of the Houston Texans and Vernon Carey of the Miami Dolphins. We enourage Canes fans to vote early and vote often!
Here is my interview with Hurricane legend, NFL star and community hero Andre Johnson:
86Cane: Andre, thanks for taking time to talk with us today!
Andre Johnson: I'm glad to do it.
86: Before we get started I just wanted to let you know that I watched your game last night on Monday Night Football: 7 catches for 75 yards and a TD; not a bad night's work.
AJ: Yeah, it was good game for us. It was fun playing on Monday Night. You know everybody's watching.
86: You started the Andre Johnson Foundation in 2003. Tell us a little more about what motivated you to start the foundation and what your mission and goals are?
AJ: It was something that I always wanted to do. I told myself that if I ever made it to the NFL that I would want to give something back to the community. When I was growing up we never had guys from the NFL come into our neighborhood and talk to us. I wanted to give that to the kids. Our goal is to show kids from single family homes in Houston and Miami that in spite of their situation, they can do whatever they want; they can achieve their goals and be successful.
86: How does it feel to be nominated to for the NFL Neighborhood MVP Award? It is a big honor, you must be excited?
AJ: It's a great feeling. It really has been a lot of fun. We are now building a playground for kids in Houston. It means somebody out there is watching what we do as players, not only on the field but off the field. It feels good to give back to the community and get recognized for that.
86: You are currently in your 6th season in the NFL and are leading the league in catches and yards.What has been the biggest difference in your performance this season?
AJ: Well, it's mainly just that I have been healthy all season. Last year I started off real strong, but then got hurt and missed seven games. I had to have knee surgery and rehab in the off season. This year I picked up where I left off and just had the mind-set that I was determined to to show everybody that I was one of the best in the league. That's what I am doing.
86: Take us back to your UM days and the 2001 National Championship season. Some people have called that team the most talented team ever. What was it that made that team so special?
AJ: No doubt we had talent, but what made that team was the hard work and determination that we had. We were committed to winning the national championship and that's what we did. My days in Miami were some of my best days ever.
86: Let's talk about the current UM wide receiver's. Are there any that you talk to and that you believe have the talent to be an NFL player like yourself?
AJ: All of them have the opportunity. Most of them are young kids and have a lot to learn. Aldarius Johnson is one that kinda stands out. He has all the tools to play in the league. I wasn't able to meet all of them last year because I had knee surgery and stayed here in Houston to rehab and work out. But this year, I'll go back to UM to work out during the off season and work out with them. I'll pick their brains and I'll let them pick mine and we can help each other get better.
86: Andre it was great talking to you today! I want to let you know that all of us Canes fans are proud of your accomplishments on and off the field. We will be voting for you in the NFL Neighborhood MVP award. Take care and hope to talk to you again soon.
AJ: OK, thanks!
Great interview, 86!
Well done Andre Johnson!
Canes FOREVER
Posted by: darCANEgel | December 04, 2008 at 07:12 PM
1st
Posted by: NavyCane4Life | December 04, 2008 at 07:13 PM
...I'll go back to UM to work out during the off season and work out with them...and we can help each other get better.
ROCK the U
Posted by: darCANEgel | December 04, 2008 at 07:17 PM
DarC...U know it, Andre was GREAT!
He didn't have to do the interview by phone, he had cameras in his face from TV and the news paper all day, but he did.
He will DEFINITELY see the blog and we HOPEFULLY have more stuff planned with him.
He bleeds orange and green, ORANGE AND GREEN BABY!!!
Posted by: SOUP | December 04, 2008 at 07:17 PM
Good blog - a first for 86!
That's my filling in for solar shot at cha 86.
Posted by: Esteban | December 04, 2008 at 07:18 PM
Awesome interview. See if you can get a follow up after he gets a chance to work out with the current 'Canes receivers.
Posted by: DZ8 | December 04, 2008 at 07:21 PM
4 AJ
Posted by: Cat5 Cane | December 04, 2008 at 07:25 PM
Este...thanks, I need all the beat downs I can get. Keeps me humble!
Posted by: 86Cane | December 04, 2008 at 07:27 PM
Great interview 86!
Andre Johnson is def one of the best to wear the Orange and Green
GO CANES
Posted by: TLuv | December 04, 2008 at 07:31 PM
Excellent work, 86.
Posted by: Carlos | December 04, 2008 at 07:33 PM
SURPRISE!
http://www.tomahawknation.com/2008/12/4/680457/thursday-rumblings-and-rec
Posted by: Carlos | December 04, 2008 at 07:34 PM
So I haven't been on the blog all day...
I don't wanna beat a dead horse but..how much validity is there to the Gus Malzahn and Nix talk?
Posted by: TLuv | December 04, 2008 at 07:34 PM
Other than from an FSU website....
Posted by: TLuv | December 04, 2008 at 07:39 PM
Good stuff... Nice to see and hear the horses coming back to the stable.
AJ Rocks the House!
Posted by: Cat5 Cane | December 04, 2008 at 07:43 PM
"But this year, I'll go back to UM to work out during the off season and work out with them. I'll pick their brains and I'll let them pick mine and we can help each other get better. " - Andre Johnson
Other schools just can't/don't do that!
Posted by: TLuv | December 04, 2008 at 07:46 PM
Who belongs to Canes time... ESPN Scouts
Gus Malzahn Rumor With Link... to Miami
http://forums.scout.com/mb.aspx?s=13&f=2927&t=3298190
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Thursday Rumblings and Recruiting talk by FSUncensored on Dec 4, 2008 3:02 PM EST in Football
It's a Rumor but hear it is...
I am hearing that OC Patrick Nix is out at Miami and Tulsa OC Gus Malzahn is in as offensive coordinator. This is really bad for us. Nix was terrible and Malzahn is excellent. Others are now saying this is not true. I am not sure what to believe here. Both people I've heard from have provided solid information for us in the past.
I am very confident that Mickey Andrews is done after the bowl game and that FSU HCIW Jimbo Fisher will be allowed to select the new defensive staff. My confidence level has improved from "I think this very well could happen" to "I would be very surprised if this did not happen." Tomorrow we will begin our official Tomahawk Nation and Chantrant search for Florida State's next great defensive coordinator. This search becomes all the more important with Miami picking up Malzahn.
Sources differ on the Jimbo to Auburn front, but I think he will stay. Hopefully the administration quickly moved to assure him that he will be the head coach sooner rather than later.
http://www.tomahawknation.com/2008/12/4/680457/thursday-rumblings-and-rec
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
More rumor
Truth & Rumors > NCAAFT&R RSS Last T&RNext T&R
Miami booster wants Tulsa coachViews 3194 Comments 16 06:17 AM ET 10.29 Share Print It My T&R According to a Miami official, a Canes booster went to the administration and said if Miami hires a top offensive coordinator such as Tulsa's Gus Malzahn to replace Patrick Nix, he would chip in to pay the coordinator's salary.
Miami Herald
http://www.fannation.com/truth_and_rumors/view/75794
Posted by: Cat5 Cane | December 04, 2008 at 08:03 PM
Good job 86, Andre is a great kid!
Posted by: canechic | December 04, 2008 at 08:09 PM
Great Interview. I've always been a huge Dre Johnson fan. Knowing that he's a 1st class individual makes me proud
Posted by: 8th Man in da Box | December 04, 2008 at 08:33 PM
Great Job 86 as always...
Green and Orange!!!
Posted by: OCALACANE | December 04, 2008 at 08:36 PM
this would be awesome...i dont know much about the tulsa coach but i am not a fan of nix...im sure he will get job offeres elsewhere atleast
Posted by: timcanes | December 04, 2008 at 08:36 PM
i dont buy the nix talk at all... i think he stays and I pray he gets better.
Posted by: conch salad | December 04, 2008 at 08:51 PM
Gus Malzahn would definately implement the spread offense. How would you feel about that? We as Cane fans tend to hang onto the traditional pro style O. I know I do, but bringing in a good OC may mean a philosophy change. Could this offense work in the ACC? You be the judge http://www.arkansasrazorbacks.com/pdf1/56895.pdf?ATCLID=576333&SPSID=33239&SPID=2431&DB_OEM_ID=6100
I was reading where He and Nut had philisophical differences and he was much more sucessful at Tulsa b/c the HC let him do his thing. One thing I did notice....both McFadden and Jones had good yardage that season
Posted by: 8th Man in da Box | December 04, 2008 at 08:53 PM
1st.
Posted by: long live ron mexico! | December 04, 2008 at 08:57 PM
este, thanks for stepping up.
peace
Posted by: solarcane | December 04, 2008 at 09:06 PM
I heard from a guy who has a friend who's dad went to FSU who's best friend was a nurse who blogs w/ this gal from Minnesota who said she talked to the UPS guy who met a lady @ lunch who talked with someone in Norman who used to goto school with a kid at Tulsa that it's a done deal.
BTW, mex...you crack me up, mang...cheers.
CANES, baaby
Posted by: darCANEgel | December 04, 2008 at 09:09 PM
how's the snow treating you solarrr
Posted by: long live ron mexico! | December 04, 2008 at 09:09 PM
what's cookin Darc
Posted by: long live ron mexico! | December 04, 2008 at 09:10 PM
I honestly don't care if we run a spread or pro style. I just want to be efficient and win games
Posted by: TLuv | December 04, 2008 at 09:12 PM
we should run a hybrid power I/spread, like the power spread petrino ran at louisville
Posted by: long live ron mexico! | December 04, 2008 at 09:14 PM
Just trying to catch up on some work tonight and 86 has to go and put up another great blog. You believe that guy?!
Tluv...exAACTLY: a W's a W.
CANES
Posted by: darCANEgel | December 04, 2008 at 09:16 PM
i hear ya Darc. 86 needs to focus less on putting up great blogs and focus more on shuttin his piehole and making me a sandwich
Posted by: long live ron mexico! | December 04, 2008 at 09:17 PM
wad up ronmrex,
Snow's half brother Sleet, a sneaking son of a bish, slid me off an icy deck yesterday fracturing my wrist and pinkie.
I'm wearing one of those fancy tunnel carpal syndrome braces that are all the rage with the senior cashiers at Walmart.
peace
Posted by: solarcane | December 04, 2008 at 09:20 PM
The last Canespacer( aqua) to interview a Cane great( Rohan Marley)has never been heard from since...
I'm jus sayin
peace
Posted by: solarcane | December 04, 2008 at 09:23 PM
ron how bout dem Dawgs?
I bet they're still walking around Athens like zombies after that exclamation point on their National Championship season.
peace
Posted by: solarcane | December 04, 2008 at 09:27 PM
ah well now you can follow your dream of being a walmart cashier
Posted by: long live ron mexico! | December 04, 2008 at 09:27 PM
ah i wouldn't kno solarrr
i moved back down to 305 last week monday
athens wasnt working out
Posted by: long live ron mexico! | December 04, 2008 at 09:28 PM
Yeah.
RIP, Aqua...
Since mex is making me loose it right now, I figured I go off the sandwich comment: which makes me think of Cartman.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jp2K-vIXB1o&feature=related
Always good for a laugh...
CANES in the HOUSE
Posted by: darCANEgel | December 04, 2008 at 09:31 PM
Comparing Malzahns first year numbers with Nix
In Malzahn's first season, Tulsa became the first team in NCAA history to have a 5,000-yard passer, 1,000-yard rusher and three 1,000-yard receivers
peace
oh yea Malzahn was a RECIEVER when he played, he loves him some receivers
peace
Posted by: solarcane | December 04, 2008 at 09:36 PM
"athens wasnt working out"
I hear that a lot
peace
Posted by: solarcane | December 04, 2008 at 09:37 PM
More on AJ:
CAREER: One of two Miami underclassmen to declare for the 2003 NFL Draft...one of the most impressive receivers in Miami's storied history and one of the finest receivers in college football...ranks fifth in Miami history in career receiving yards (1,831) and tied for third in career touchdown receptions (20)...was the Co-Most Valuable Player (with QB Ken Dorsey) of the 2002 Rose Bowl national title win over Nebraska...consistently produced outstanding performances in the team's most meaningful games.
2002 (JUNIOR): Became only the second player in Miami history to gain 1,000 or more yards receiving in a season...caught 52 passes for 1,092 yards (21.0 ypc) and nine touchdowns...led the nation in yards per catch at 21.0...averaged 94.4 receiving yards per game during the regular season...led the BIG EAST in receiving yards and yards per game...a First Team All-BIG EAST selection by the league's coaches...his nine touchdown catches ranks tied for the fifth-most in a single season by a UM receiver...had four 100+-yard receiving outings during the regular season, including two straight to end the regular season...had a season-high 193 yards on six catches for one touchdown, including a 68-yard catch, in the win over Virginia Tech...gained 191 yards on six catches for one touchdown, including a 68-yarder, at Syracuse...caught three passes for 72 yards and one touchdown against Pittsburgh...made five catches for 103 yards - all in the first half - of Miami's 26-3 win at Tennessee, including a 44-yard catch to set up UM's second score...caught three passes for 53 yards and one touchdown against Rutgers....his scoring pass at Rutgers pulled Miami ahead, 21-17, early in the fourth period of an eventual 42-17 victory...gained 111 yards on six catches for two touchdowns against West Virginia...staked Miami to a 7-0 lead early against West Virginia by taking a short pass across the middle and turning it into a 42-yard touchdown catch...made five catches for 89 yards in the comeback victory over Florida State, including a 37-yard play to spark Miami's first scoring drive of the final period in which Miami erased a 27-14 deficit in the game's final minutes...caught four passes for 63 yards against Connecticut, including a 31-yarder...made three catches for 73 yards and a touchdown in the 38-6 win over Boston College in his return from shoulder surgery...caught a 33-yard scoring pass against BC...missed the Temple game after undergoing shoulder surgery two days after the win over Florida...made four catches for 56 yards and a touchdown in the 41-16 win at Florida...caught three passes for 44 yards and a touchdown in the win over Florida A&M.
2001 (SOPHOMORE): Made national headlines with an outstanding performance in Miami's Rose Bowl victory over Nebraska, earning Co-MVP honors with quarterback Ken Dorsey...caught seven passes for 199 yards (career-highs in both categories) against the Cornhuskers, including two touchdown receptions...was second on the team with 37 catches for a team-best 685 yards and a UM-leading 10 touchdowns...the 10 touchdown catches led the BIG EAST and tied for second on the Miami single-season list with Lamar Thomas (1992) and Reggie Wayne (2000)...ranked third in the BIG EAST in yards per catch (18.4 avg.), fourth in the BIG EAST in receiving yards per game (62.0 avg.), and seventh in catches per game (3.36 avg.)...led Miami in kickoff returns, averaging 19.5 yards per attempt with 254 yards on 13 returns...had four receptions for 69 yards in the season opening 33-7 win at Penn State...scored on a career-long 64-yard pass against Rutgers, a game in which he had two catches for 104 yards...caught four passes for 42 yards and one touchdown at Pittsburgh...had three catches for 48 yards and one touchdown against Troy State...produced an outstanding performance in Miami's historic win at Florida State, helping snap FSU's 10-year home unbeaten streak with five catches for 111 yards and two touchdowns...scored on passes of 27 and 18 yards against the Seminoles and was named BIG EAST Offensive Player of the Week for that performance...had six catches for 92 yards, in addition to scoring one touchdown, against West Virginia...had two catches for eight yards against Temple...caught two passes for 25 yards against Boston College...gained a career-high 116 yards on four catches and scored two touchdowns in the win over Syracuse...caught four passes for 56 yards and scored one touchdown against Washington.
2000 (FRESHMAN): Played in 11 games as a wide receiver and kickoff return specialist...caught three passes for 57 yards (19.0 avg.) and a touchdown...the touchdown reception was a 32-yarder from reserve quarterback Ethenic Sands in Johnson's first game as a Hurricane vs. McNeese State...had an excellent year returning kickoffs, averaging 20.8 yards per return to rank second on the team...returned 12 kickoffs for 249 yards...had a season-best 37-yard kickoff return at Washington...also had a 27-yarder against the Huskies...had kickoff returns of 29 and 26 yards against Louisiana Tech.
1999 (REDSHIRT): One of 11 members of the 1999 recruiting class to sit out the season as a redshirt.
Posted by: SOUP | December 04, 2008 at 09:39 PM
Congratulations 86. Even more legitimacy brought to your blog.
You should be very proud of what you have accomplished here.
Posted by: pb(CSROH09) | December 04, 2008 at 09:39 PM
86 needs to focus less on putting up great blogs and focus more on shuttin his piehole and making me a sandwich
Posted by: long live ron mexico! | December 04, 2008 at 09:17 PM
Ham-N-Swiss or Turkey-N-Provolone?
Posted by: SOUP | December 04, 2008 at 09:42 PM
don't encourage him pb
Posted by: long live ron mexico! | December 04, 2008 at 09:43 PM
Posted by: long live ron mexico! | December 04, 2008 at 09:43 PM
LLRM by legitimacy I mean getting two great minds like ours to blog on his two bit site.
But we will let him interpret however he likes...
Posted by: pb(CSROH09) | December 04, 2008 at 09:46 PM
soup.
I noticed you forgot to mention to Andre you said Aldarious was gonna be the greatest receiver to ever fall out of a mortals womb? Better than any receiver to ever play at the U. Must have slipped your mind just like those last three passes slipped through Almost Justified's hands.
peace
Posted by: solarcane | December 04, 2008 at 09:47 PM
i hate swiss cheese, soupcan
Posted by: long live ron mexico! | December 04, 2008 at 09:48 PM
nice job with the interview btw
peace
Posted by: solarcane | December 04, 2008 at 09:49 PM
Here is Gus Mazahn's book on his offense.
http://www.amazon.com/Hurry-Up-No-Huddle-Offensive-Philosophy/dp/1585186546
peace
Posted by: solarcane | December 04, 2008 at 09:52 PM
mexico... If talk'n to me, it must be the Nix thing and thought it was interesting and note, I also posted that it was rumored, as well as, the source of the rumor with links from 3 boards... can't be said enough it is a rumor but we'll see in a few days.
I'm out...
Posted by: Cat5 Cane | December 04, 2008 at 09:53 PM
Talking to the leading WR in the NFL?
EXCITING
Talking to a Hurricane legend?
AMAZING
Talking to a community hero named Andre Johnson?
PRICELESS!
Posted by: SOUP | December 04, 2008 at 09:54 PM