This article is Part III of a series of features on former Miami Hurricane and current Houston Texan Andre Johnson. As most of you who have been around Canespace for a while know, we have featured Andre twice before; first when he was one of sixteen NFL players nominated for The Home Depot/NFL Neighborhood MVP Award and then again when he was honored to be selected as one of the eight finalists for the award.
I had the chance to meet up with AJ in Tampa during Super Bowl week when the NFL announced the winner of the award (Jason Whitten of the Dallas Cowboys) and held a play ground build event for under-privileged children in the Ybor City area of East Tampa.
When I arrived on the scene for the build, Andre was already hard at work and had even worked up a sweat on a relatively cool Tampa morning putting together several benches for kids at the playground.
Since I had spoken to AJ on the phone for a previous interview and he had read the first Canespace article he knew who I was when I introduced myself.
As I watched him drilling and hammering on the playground benches and all I could think was: "Please be careful with those $20M hands!"
My next thought was how can I get him to wear Canespace too? Well, during a break he did agree to hold the T-shirt up for a photo which you see here. I think it is safe to say that Andre Johnson LOVES him some Canespace!
When the build was over the event moved to the awards ceremony where the trophy and $25K award from Home Depot was given out to charity. After the ceremony, I had a chance to interview AJ in person. Here is our conversation:
86Cane: So have you heard that the Canes just hired a new Offensive Coordinator, Mark Whipple?
Andre Johnson: No, actually I wasn't aware of that. But I will tell you this: I am sure that if Randy Shannon felt like that is what needed to be done then I support that decision. He is going to do whatever it takes to get that program back where it belongs. I have a lot of confidence in him. He will get that team going in the right direction.
86: Tell me about the whole Home Depot Neighborhood MVP experience. What is it like to be recognized not only for your play on the field but also what you do off the field?
AJ: It feels good, really good.The whole process has been great, from what we did in Houston and what we are doing today in Tampa. The project here today, with all of the (8) NFL players involved, is great. None of these guys have to be here, but they all want to be here. In Houston (at the playground build there) I only got to use a shovel to move some mulch around not like today where I used the power drill and the hammer and other stuff. This felt really good to get involved in and build something positive for these kids out here.
86: This year you had a break-out season and were selected to your first pro-bowl. What was the difference for you this year with the Texans?
AJ: Well, like I told you (on the phone) the main thing is I was healthy. At this level, with all the players being so talented it's about who can stay healthy. This year everything just clicked and I had the opportunity to make plays, just like at Miami. I can get open, and if the ball is thrown to me, I'm going to catch it. It's after that when good things happen.
86: Tell me about the Andre Johnson Foundation?
AJ: I started it my rookie year. When I signed my first contract I knew I wanted to give something back to the community. It really is set up for helping children from single parent homes. I came from a single parent home and I just wanted to support parents and kids when I can. We all (NFL players) have to remember where we came from. I know I do. That's why I started the foundation. We took some foster kids in Houston on a Christmas shopping spree. In Miami around the middle of May I have a community BBQ for the neighborhood where I grew up (Andre attended Miami High School).
86: Canespace would love to be one of the sponsors for that event in Miami and come out and help out anyway we can. Let us know the when and where and we will be there!
AJ: OK, I'll do that. We can use some volunteers and some of those free T-shirts you give out!
That was our brief conversation with Andre Johnson, Neighborhood MVP, NFL Pro-Bowler and Hurricane Hero. Really, what more can you ask from a guy?
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Posted by: kZTJQTfEgS | March 31, 2013 at 07:00 AM
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CaneSpace
Posted by: CaneRock | February 20, 2009 at 03:04 PM
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..
Posted by: canechic | February 20, 2009 at 12:27 PM
boo
Posted by: CanesgirlNC | February 20, 2009 at 10:45 AM
Kevin Beard
Posted by: CaneRock | February 20, 2009 at 09:13 AM
474
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....
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UUU
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...
Posted by: Montreal-Cane | February 20, 2009 at 12:41 AM
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Posted by: St.PeteCane | February 20, 2009 at 12:33 AM
the U
Posted by: TLuv | February 19, 2009 at 11:52 PM
NEW BLOG IS UP!
Posted by: 86Cane | February 19, 2009 at 11:23 PM
DJ - Ed Asner? Watching late night reruns?
Don't tell me he's a Cane!
Go Canes!
Posted by: Pre83 | February 19, 2009 at 11:06 PM
Soup - I was thinking the same thing earlier today.
Isn't there a saying - You can't hide the Truth.
Someone's been doing a very good job.
Go Canes!
Posted by: Pre83 | February 19, 2009 at 11:04 PM
Canez1-
You buyin' Ted Meline wanting to play saftey over wideout?!?
That's gota be some kinda recruiting angle right?
What's next........
Bryce wants to go to OLB, beside his brother??
Posted by: hurriphin | February 19, 2009 at 10:42 PM
Ed Asner
Posted by: dj moonbat | February 19, 2009 at 10:41 PM
Sophomore Arthur Brown has moved from outside to inside linebacker. Brown struggled last year despite being the team's top-rated recruit, but Shannon said he began flourishing in the new role toward the end of last season.
"It takes time," Shannon said. "The last two weeks of the season he was phenomenal at middle linebacker on scout team. Like Ray Lewis, when he first got here he was outside and he wasn't very good. When we put him in the middle, it was just different. Tavares Gooden played outside all those years and you put him at middle and he had a big year. For some reason, guys just see it at better."
I said this dude was being groomed for the Mike last season and someone told me no. I don't remember who that was......
I am lookin for big things from King Arthur. Dude has all the tools. Just a matter of time.
AB and Sharpton in the middle. Cookie, Spence, Futch and Mccarthy on the outside.
GO CANEZ!!!!!
Posted by: Canez1 | February 19, 2009 at 10:34 PM
yo yo ma
Posted by: raizecane | February 19, 2009 at 10:25 PM
Truth and J must have gotten in trouble for all that info they fed us earlier. They are waiting for the BB deal to go down before returning. Either that or they are on Truth's boat down in the FL Keys? That's my theory...
Posted by: SOUP | February 19, 2009 at 10:24 PM
456
Posted by: SOUP | February 19, 2009 at 10:13 PM
Sy
If you are correct, that would be a steep price for Bryce to pay for a bit of recruiting excitement.
Unless he could care less about going to one school vs. the other, I can't see that as his methodology.
Go Canes!
Posted by: Pre83 | February 19, 2009 at 10:12 PM
I want Bryant McKinnie's agent!
Posted by: Pre83 | February 19, 2009 at 10:08 PM
My take on this whole BB situation is that he probably already has his letter of intent signed and secretly faxed over to whatever school he's planning to attend. I base this off of the Butler interview that all schools that have offered a scholly will expire at the same time and will too have to be renewed. Given how BB is being mauled in the press with Miami pulling his scholly, I think he's going to sign that letter before all other schools decide not to renew their LOI either.
Posted by: Sy-Cane | February 19, 2009 at 10:07 PM
Bubba Franks
Posted by: Pre83 | February 19, 2009 at 10:03 PM
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Posted by: Cat5 Cane | February 19, 2009 at 09:47 PM
Ask Ohio State if Pryor was worth the wait and drama.
Posted by: texascane | February 19, 2009 at 11:03 AM
BB may come to Miami...But team Shannon needs to be extremely careful with any possible NCAA violations...Butler-Brown...Brown Butler...And so on...
I wouldn't be surprised if there is an NCAA investigation down the road especially if Brown comes to the U...
Posted by: Montreal-Cane | February 19, 2009 at 09:33 PM
e
Posted by: e | February 19, 2009 at 09:25 PM
"I'll tell you what, Sean Spence ripped that ball outta there like he was startin' up a lawnmower!"
Posted by: hurriphin | February 19, 2009 at 09:24 PM
Everybody lets get over the drauma and not feed on it. I say let BB take his visit to the U in March to see what he is going to miss when other schools TAKE him. He made a verbal comit to the U a year ago and wont sign on NSD after all that time to decide with an "agent" of all things. The U does not need players with an "agent promoter" BB you have great talent at the high school level but you head is too big you for you wear a helment with the U on it. Most of the #1 draft picts were not the #1 in high school. Think of the team that makes them and the player great KSF68
Posted by: KSF68 | February 19, 2009 at 09:23 PM
...
Posted by: shwarma | February 19, 2009 at 09:12 PM
....
Posted by: cbh | February 19, 2009 at 09:12 PM
Piss off donkey!!
GO CANEZ!!!!!
Posted by: Canez1 | February 19, 2009 at 09:02 PM
canes
Posted by: Hurricanedave | February 19, 2009 at 09:02 PM
Magic Benton
Posted by: CaneRock | February 19, 2009 at 09:01 PM
Canefantasy...I can tell you this..im a web designer and that potentialplayers.com site is garbage. He surely didn't a lot for it and it coule have been done in a day lol
Posted by: UMike | February 19, 2009 at 08:53 PM
Death to Typepad
Posted by: Old Skool | February 19, 2009 at 08:28 PM
....
Posted by: obvious | February 19, 2009 at 08:27 PM
anyplace!!!
Posted by: 1caneinatlanta | February 19, 2009 at 08:21 PM
hi canechic,
no I was just thinking how everyone feels sorry for Kenny D and and how terrible it would be if Edge doesn't get a ring...
meanwhile three of my friends since high school have lost their homes.
peace
Posted by: solarcane | February 19, 2009 at 06:41 PM
I got U solar, on the up side I got a $25 a week raise in my unemployment check! I think I will stop feeling sorry for anyone who gets paid that much to play a game they love.
Posted by: canechic | February 19, 2009 at 08:06 PM
Da U
Posted by: True Cane | February 19, 2009 at 08:04 PM
334
Posted by: nmbcane | February 19, 2009 at 07:59 PM
Just like the media....unnamed sources stated Bryce brown blah blah blah, doesn't seem to have any merit,,,,guess we'll report the next story regardless of the outcome and hope we get it right this time...
Posted by: 1SG | February 19, 2009 at 07:58 PM
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: )
Posted by: all_bout_dis_U | February 19, 2009 at 07:46 PM
...
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canespace
peace
Posted by: solarcane | February 19, 2009 at 07:44 PM
I just listen to Butler and I have to say that he is not that bad... at least in the interview I thought he handled himself okay. He sounded like actually cared for the Brown family. we will see..... potenitalplayer.com is a little much for a guy not looking to make a buck, but he sounded like he really cared for these kids.
Posted by: Canefantasy | February 19, 2009 at 07:13 PM
Did anyone hear the Brian Butler interview?
Posted by: diesel9 | February 19, 2009 at 07:10 PM
BB
Posted by: SuperCooper | February 19, 2009 at 07:03 PM
I don't like Coop on returns so much.........
Not cause he can't get it to home plate, but cause we need him to much in other facets of the game.
The Blur, DJ, Pimp, SS, Chambers & Mar', on returns please.
Posted by: hurriphin | February 19, 2009 at 06:51 PM
I can see Arthur putting a good lick on Bryce though.
Posted by: SuperCooper | February 19, 2009 at 06:46 PM
That was going to be my next comeback.
Wait till Madonna shifts gears to avoid Spence and Arthur decaffeinates him.
peace
Posted by: solarcane | February 19, 2009 at 06:50 PM
reggae,
yea the players coming home to help the next Canes is something very special, I agree a 100% with yo there.
peace
Posted by: solarcane | February 19, 2009 at 06:48 PM
I can see Arthur putting a good lick on Bryce though.
Posted by: SuperCooper | February 19, 2009 at 06:46 PM
kenny kelly
Posted by: SlingBlade | February 19, 2009 at 06:46 PM
and solar, think about how much drew rosenhaus makes off of half of these guys.
but thats why kosar has his name on a building and none of them. still appreciate how they give back in terms of intagibles though... U pride is unrivaled and lots of those guys up there love to show that.
Posted by: reggaebob | February 19, 2009 at 06:43 PM
Better tell is azz to stay outta South Florida, or Greenpeace will be trying to drag his fat azz back into the ocean.
LMAO^^^
peace
Posted by: solarcane | February 19, 2009 at 06:42 PM
Solar are you just trying to depress us today?
hi canechic,
no I was just thinking how everyone feels sorry for Kenny D and and how terrible it would be if Edge doesn't get a ring...
meanwhile three of my friends since high school have lost their homes.
peace
Posted by: solarcane | February 19, 2009 at 06:41 PM
supe,
I get the feeling Madonna is going to spark more than one incident before the season starts, hopefully he will be at another school.
peace
Posted by: solarcane | February 19, 2009 at 06:38 PM
Solar are you just trying to depress us today?
Posted by: canechic | February 19, 2009 at 06:17 PM
Wait...let me get this straight. Bryce is about 220 lbs with roughly 5% body fat. His "Pimp" is about 4 bucks with roughly 40% body fat. Am I missing something, or is the WRONG guy fasting here. Looks like ol Pimp the Cookie monster should be "humbled" more often. Better tell is azz to stay outta South Florida, or Greenpeace will be trying to drag his fat azz back into the ocean.
Posted by: Not-so-Sane Cane | February 19, 2009 at 06:13 PM
3 to 1 odds C-Mac gets in a fight with BB at practice if Brown comes here.
you read it here first
peace
Posted by: solarcane | February 19, 2009 at 05:15 PM
I think McCarthy would get hurt trying to go to the practice field, let on trying to fight BB.
Posted by: SuperCooper | February 19, 2009 at 06:13 PM
.......
Posted by: SuperCooper | February 19, 2009 at 06:12 PM
ponder this
Consider what you make per year.
Consider if these guys could afford to give back a little more to the U.
peace
Player Base Salary Sign Bonus Other Bonus Total Salary
McKinnie, Bryant $3,250,000 $13,500,000 $500,000 $17,250,000
Wayne, Reggie $3,500,000 $12,500,000 $660,000 $16,660,000
Lewis, Ray $6,500,000 $10,000,000 $240 $16,500,240
Portis, Clinton $605,000 $9,325,500 $504,440 $10,434,940
McGahee, Willis $605,000 $7,500,000 $600 $8,105,600
Reed, Ed $605,000 $7,500,000 $240 $8,105,240
James, Edgerrin $5,000,000 $7,000,000 $250,840 $12,250,840
Johnson, Andre $2,825,000 $6,500,000 $1,850,000 $11,175,000
Gore, Frank $2,562,000 $6,500,000 $100,000 $9,162,000
Winston, Eric $445,000 $6,000,000 $6,720 $6,451,720
Hester, Devin $445,000 $5,000,000 $47,500 $5,492,500
Lewis, Damione $730,000 $3,250,000 $100,000 $4,080,000
Shockey, Jeremy $1,925,000 $3,000,000 $500,000 $5,425,000
Wilfork, Vince $1,400,000 $3,000,000 $4,680 $4,404,680
Beason, Jon $870,000 $3,000,000 $247,900 $4,117,900
Myers, Chris $850,000 $3,000,000 $6,720 $3,856,720
Phillips, Kenny $295,000 $2,530,000 $555,000 $3,380,000
Moss, Santana $730,000 $2,520,000 $0 $3,250,000
Carey, Vernon $2,570,000 $2,300,000 $1,360,000 $6,230,000
Buchanon, Phillip $1,905,000 $2,000,000 $253,360 $4,158,360
McIntosh, Rocky $445,000 $1,820,000 $1,165,000 $3,430,000
Campbell, Calais $295,000 $1,200,000 $0 $1,495,000
Parrish, Roscoe $520,000 $1,100,000 $3,451,080 $5,071,080
Franks, Bubba $730,000 $795,000 $125,000 $1,650,000
Feagles, Jeff $1,000,000 $725,000 $103,480 $1,828,480
Moss, Sinorice $445,000 $700,000 $398,240 $1,543,240
Gooden, Tavares $295,000 $610,100 $0 $905,100
Dorsey, Ken $605,000 $500,000 $180,000 $1,285,000
Meriweather, Brandon $370,000 $500,000 $1,029,200 $1,899,200
Butler, Rashad $445,000 $479,750 $6,720 $931,470
Williams, Leon $445,000 $450,000 $1,920 $896,920
Atkins, Baraka $370,000 $432,500 $5,160 $807,660
Olsen, Greg $370,000 $250,000 $683,518 $1,303,518
McClover, Darrell $520,000 $75,000 $4,800 $599,800
Romberg, Brett $605,000 $40,000 $4,680 $649,680
Vilma, Jonathan $4,097,500 $0 $100,000 $4,197,500
Winslow, Kellen $4,000,000 $0 $1,607,500 $5,607,500
Rolle, Antrel $1,210,000 $0 $1,560 $1,211,560
McDougle, Jerome $1,000,000 $0 $0 $1,000,000
Williams, D.J. $850,000 $0 $25,000 $875,000
Webster, Nate $780,000 $0 $650,000 $1,430,000
Joseph, William $705,000 $0 $245,000 $950,000
Davenport, Najeh $605,000 $0 $0 $605,000
Jackson, James $540,000 $0 $0 $540,000
Jennings, Kelly $445,000 $0 $295,160 $740,160
Berlin, Brock $370,000 $0 $5,160 $375,160
Thomas, Santonio $370,000 $0 $0 $370,000
Ortega, Buck $295,000 $0 $0 $295,000
Posted by: solarcane | February 19, 2009 at 05:55 PM
414
peace
Posted by: solarcane | February 19, 2009 at 05:53 PM
.
Posted by: JLF | February 19, 2009 at 05:46 PM
U
Posted by: LatinCane | February 19, 2009 at 05:40 PM
Jeremy Shockey
Posted by: CanesgirlNC | February 19, 2009 at 05:38 PM
Welcommmmmmmmme to the Dead Zonnnnnnnnnnnne.
Posted by: MidWestCane | February 19, 2009 at 05:37 PM
*
Posted by: texascane | February 19, 2009 at 05:35 PM
...
Posted by: MidWestCane | February 19, 2009 at 05:32 PM
dan morgan
Posted by: daddeh | February 19, 2009 at 05:22 PM
:)
Posted by: canechic | February 19, 2009 at 05:19 PM
5th Street Junkie
Posted by: CaneRock | February 19, 2009 at 05:19 PM
3 to 1 odds C-Mac gets in a fight with BB at practice if Brown comes here.
you read it here first
peace
Posted by: solarcane | February 19, 2009 at 05:15 PM
.
Posted by: IraqiCane | February 19, 2009 at 05:12 PM
Kevin Presto
Posted by: CaneRock | February 19, 2009 at 05:09 PM
last
Posted by: jimmy | February 19, 2009 at 05:01 PM
401
peace
Posted by: solarcane | February 19, 2009 at 05:01 PM
...
Posted by: shwarma | February 19, 2009 at 04:49 PM
Go Team Shannon
Posted by: hurriphin | February 19, 2009 at 04:48 PM
334
Posted by: nmbcane | February 19, 2009 at 04:21 PM
brian butler pimp extreme
Posted by: canesteeler | February 19, 2009 at 04:13 PM
22
Posted by: sjsal13 | February 19, 2009 at 03:40 PM
chris t. jones
Posted by: hurriphin | February 19, 2009 at 03:19 PM
PS
Maybe Randy needs an OC after next year?
Posted by: texascane | February 19, 2009 at 03:18 PM
m=+
Posted by: MidWestCane | February 19, 2009 at 03:17 PM
That's what you get when you have a 72 year old AD who is the former fired basketball coach.
Leach IS TT football and the AD is too stubborn and proud to understand that. Plus, what does the AD have to lose? He has his retirement. If he lets Leach get away, he's gone. On the other hand, if Leach stays, he's gone in a year anyway.
Terrible situation.
Posted by: texascane | February 19, 2009 at 03:16 PM
Kevin Norris
Posted by: CaneRock | February 19, 2009 at 03:04 PM
^^"we" want them to be
Posted by: CanesgirlNC | February 19, 2009 at 03:03 PM
360 - it's all good. And you summed it up perfect "they are not as talented as I want them to be".
Posted by: CanesgirlNC | February 19, 2009 at 03:02 PM
;-D
Posted by: CanesgirlNC | February 19, 2009 at 03:00 PM
334
Posted by: nmbcane | February 19, 2009 at 02:59 PM
360, I would line him up next to Moncur as Moncur is probably stronger against the run than M-Rob and Bailey is weaker against the run than Joseph/Fortson. Creates better balance.
Posted by: shwarma | February 19, 2009 at 02:58 PM
.....
Posted by: SuperCooper | February 19, 2009 at 02:51 PM
the napolean complex over at TTech is unbeleivable. Leach has done so much for that school football wise, its pathetic that this is going on
Posted by: conch salad | February 19, 2009 at 02:50 PM
And Haith needs to bring in true point guards. Saw Manny said the PG that's supposed to be in next years class probably won't come. Combo guard point guards are okay if you have another true pointguard on the roster. When all the point guards are combo guards that's a problem.
Posted by: Esteban | February 19, 2009 at 02:49 PM