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?
yo
Posted by: BROWNSUB | February 17, 2009 at 09:11 PM
bing
Posted by: solarcane | February 17, 2009 at 09:13 PM
nice brownsub
peace
Posted by: solarcane | February 17, 2009 at 09:13 PM
Am I 1st? That would the article being aboutmark anothet with Andre Johnson being the
Posted by: BROWNSUB | February 17, 2009 at 09:14 PM
Thanks solar. 86 do I get a shirt?
Posted by: BROWNSUB | February 17, 2009 at 09:15 PM
9:14 post >> Blame the G1 phone
Posted by: BROWNSUB | February 17, 2009 at 09:16 PM
AJ is the best.
Posted by: miamihurricane34 | February 17, 2009 at 09:16 PM
CaneSpace! I'm Numero Uno, I'm Numero Uno, Yes, I'm Numero Uno!
Posted by: CaneRock | February 17, 2009 at 09:17 PM
Andre is so cute, very proud of him!!
Go Canes!
Posted by: canechic | February 17, 2009 at 09:17 PM
Ahhhh, I'm Numero Nueves...Damn!
Posted by: CaneRock | February 17, 2009 at 09:18 PM
Damn, Dies...
Posted by: CaneRock | February 17, 2009 at 09:19 PM
Great when guys give back.
Posted by: dlu | February 17, 2009 at 09:19 PM
I am leaning towards yes. Won't know for sure till close to clock-out time tomorrow afternoon. I'll keep you updated.
Posted by: scUM | February 17, 2009 at 08:45 PM
scUM...IF U MAKE IT TO THE GAME I'LL BE IN G4 OR H4, UPPER LEVEL BEHIND THE BASKET.
1982 says I can't take a photo with U because that would be blasphemy but that doesn't mean I can't take a photo of U with some FSU hotties!
Posted by: 86Cane | February 17, 2009 at 09:20 PM
Thanks solar. 86 do I get a shirt?
Posted by: BROWNSUB | February 17, 2009 at 09:15 PM
YUP! Send you size and mailing addy to:
host@canespace.com
Posted by: 86Cane | February 17, 2009 at 09:21 PM
I'm reading The Fair Rides Inspection atraction accidents and came across this
( 40 yr old male pukes after riding Dumbo?? wtf?? peace)
PARK NAME:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Magic Kingdom
RIDE: Dumbo
DATE: 02/22/2006
TIME: Unknown
AGE: 40s
GENDER: M
INCIDENT: Came off ride not feeling well
Posted by: solarcane | February 17, 2009 at 09:24 PM
Ahhhh, I'm Numero Nueves...Damn!
Posted by: CaneRock | February 17, 2009 at 09:18 PM
LMAO that was funny as hell CR!
peace
Posted by: solarcane | February 17, 2009 at 09:25 PM
Andre Johnson one of the greats....86 almost looks like a TE on the picture...lol...Good article 86...
Let's go Bryce!!!
Posted by: Montreal-Cane | February 17, 2009 at 09:28 PM
"86 almost looks like a TE on the picture..."
or a small SUV
peace
Posted by: solarcane | February 17, 2009 at 09:30 PM
Did everyone see that Bryce has till Wed or Miami isn't re-issuing the LOI?
Posted by: UMike | February 17, 2009 at 09:30 PM
no LOI, SOL
peace
Posted by: solarcane | February 17, 2009 at 09:32 PM
I hope were still going after Orson Charles
Posted by: UMike | February 17, 2009 at 09:35 PM
More like a small SUV?
Solar I talked to Coach Hurtt at the NSD event on campus. I told him that if he wants a TE who can throw his weight around and block I am his guy. Catching the ball and making guys miss? Well, Not so much!
Posted by: 86Cane | February 17, 2009 at 09:36 PM
86, you got mail.
Posted by: BROWNSUB | February 17, 2009 at 09:36 PM
The bryce brown drama continues...rumors are that his LOI might not be renewed after midnight wednesday but he will be taking his last official visit the first week of march to The U....
Posted by: lessismore | February 17, 2009 at 09:37 PM
Solar...don't worry, I am sure that one day U can get your picture taken with an NFL pro-bowler too!
Posted by: 86Cane | February 17, 2009 at 09:38 PM
WHO is this Brown character U guys keep talking about? I have no clue?
Posted by: 86Cane | February 17, 2009 at 09:39 PM
86, I hear ya, I get winded pushing the buttons on the remote anymore.
peace
Posted by: solarcane | February 17, 2009 at 09:40 PM
I am leaning towards yes. Won't know for sure till close to clock-out time tomorrow afternoon. I'll keep you updated.
Posted by: scUM | February 17, 2009 at 08:45 PM
scUM...IF U MAKE IT TO THE GAME I'LL BE IN G4 OR H4, UPPER LEVEL BEHIND THE BASKET.
1982 says I can't take a photo with U because that would be blasphemy but that doesn't mean I can't take a photo of U with some FSU hotties!
Posted by: 86Cane | February 17, 2009 at 09:20 PM
Will you be sporting a Canespace shirt?
Posted by: scUM | February 17, 2009 at 09:41 PM
I like Bailey moving to DT, I always thought He was a step slow at DE.
Posted by: CaneRock | February 17, 2009 at 09:43 PM
"Solar...don't worry, I am sure that one day U can get your picture taken with an NFL pro-bowler too!"
If I had my druthers I'd rather have it taken in a pile of NFL pro bowl cheer leaders if you could pull it off.
peace
Posted by: solarcane | February 17, 2009 at 09:43 PM
Will you be sporting a Canespace shirt?
Posted by: scUM | February 17, 2009 at 09:41 PM
What else would I wear? LOL
Posted by: 86Cane | February 17, 2009 at 09:48 PM
WHO is this Brown character U guys keep talking about? I have no clue?
Posted by: 86Cane | February 17, 2009 at 09:39 PM
Breaking news! Bryce won't announce before March because he is too busy reading all the posts about him on Canespace...
Posted by: Montreal-Cane | February 17, 2009 at 09:50 PM
The Rose Bowl co-MVP's forehead is a lot more prominent these days than I remember in college. I just hope it isn't what I suspect it could be. Incredible athlete though, good to see him finally get some recognition at the highest level for being the best in the biz. Him chucking the AA Cornhusker corner to the turf off the bump and run and high-tailing it to the endzone on a perfect strike from Dorsey always makes me smile.
Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | February 17, 2009 at 09:52 PM
Solar...how about this instead:
http://canespace.typepad.com/.a/6a00e008c672588834010535c3df7b970c-pi
Posted by: 86Cane | February 17, 2009 at 10:03 PM
Or this:
http://canespace.typepad.com/.shared/image.html?/photos/uncategorized/2008/03/29/spring_game_108.jpg
Posted by: 86Cane | February 17, 2009 at 10:05 PM
86, yea either of um... you lucky bastard lol
peace
Posted by: solarcane | February 17, 2009 at 10:09 PM
mmm...Cheerleaders
Posted by: Not-so-Sane Cane | February 17, 2009 at 10:11 PM
LOL, 86... Mini KL said you went too far taking a pic with the cheerleaders! ;)
Posted by: KLCaneFan | February 17, 2009 at 10:16 PM
KL...mini KL will understand one day. ;-)
Did she see her picture here?
Posted by: 86Cane | February 17, 2009 at 10:26 PM
Scouts Inc./ESPN, Rivals.com and Scout.com Consensus Final Recruit Rankings
Rank Name Position Height Weight High School College
1 Matt Barkley QB 6-3 225 Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.) Southern California
2 Bryce Brown RB 6-0 215 Wichita (Kan.) East
3 Russell Shepard QB 6-1 180 Cypress Ridge (Houston) LSU
4 Manti Te'o LB 6-2 225 Punahou (Honolulu) Notre Dame
5 Jacobbi McDaniel DT 6-0 267 Madison County (Madison, Fla.) Florida State
6 Rueben Randle WR 6-3 195 Bastrop (La.) LSU
7 Trent Richardson RB 5-11 210 Escambia (Pensacola, Fla.) Alabama
8 Craig Loston DB 6-3 193 Eisenhower (Houston) LSU
9 Jelani Jenkins LB 6-2 210 Good Counsel (Olney, Md.) Florida
10 Devon Kennard DE 6-3 257 Desert Vista (Phoenix) Southern California
11 Garrett Gilbert QB 6-4 195 Lake Travis (Austin) Texas
12 Gary Brown DT 6-3 275 West Gadsden (Greensboro, Fla.) Florida
13 Dre Kirkpatrick DB 6-2 180 Gadsden City (Gadsden, Ala.) Alabama
14 Aaron Murray QB 6-1 205 Plant (Tampa) Georgia
15 Vontaze Burfict LB 6-2 235 Centennial (Corona, Calif.) Arizona State
16 Nico Johnson LB 6-2 235 Andalusia (Ala.) Alabama
17 Branden Smith DB 5-11 170 Washington (Atlanta) Georgia
18 Dorian Bell LB 6-0 220 Gateway (Monroeville, Pa.) Ohio State
19 Xavier Nixon OL 6-6 263 Jack Britt (Fayetteville, N.C.) Florida
20 Marlon Brown WR 6-5 205 Harding Academy (Memphis) Georgia
21 Jamarkus McFarland DT 6-3 280 Lufkin (Texas) Oklahoma
22 Donte Moss DE 6-4 225 Northside (Jacksonville) North Carolina
23 Mason Walters OL 6-6 290 Frenship (Wolfforth, Texas) Texas
24 Darius Winston DB 6-0 180 Central (West Helena, Ark.) Arkansas
25 Andre Debose WR 6-0 170 Seminole (Sanford, Fla.) Florida
26 Greg Reid DB 5-9 175 Lowndes (Valdosta, Ga.) Florida State
27 William Campbell DT 6-5 315 Cass Tech (Detroit) Michigan
28 D.J. Fluker OL 6-7 325 Foley (Ala.) Alabama
29 Sheldon Richardson DT 6-4 280 Gateway (St. Louis) Missouri
30 Morrell Presley TE 6-4 215 Carson (Calif.) UCLA
31 Tajh Boyd QB 6-1 210 Phoebus (Hampton, Va.) Clemson
32 Cierre Wood RB 6-0 192 Santa Clara (Oxnard, Calif.) Notre Dame
33 Gabe Lynn DB 6-0 185 Jenks (Okla.) Oklahoma
34 Christine Michael RB 5-11 195 Beaumont (Texas) Westbrook Texas A&M
35 Stephon Gilmore DB 6-2 181 South Pointe (Rock Hill, S.C.) South Carolina
36 Chris Davenport DT 6-4 318 Mansfield (La.) LSU
37 Shayne Skov LB 6-2 235 Trinity Pawling (Pawling, N.Y.) Stanford
38 Orson Charles WR 6-2 230 Plant (Tampa)
39 Nick Kasa DE 6-7 245 Legacy (Broomfield, Co.) Colorado
40 Jheranie Boyd WR 6-2 184 Ashbrook (Gastonia, N.C.) North Carolina
41 Jarvis Jones LB 6-3 215 Carver (Columbus, Ga.) Southern California
42 Chris Watt OL 6-3 280 Glenbard West (Glen Ellyn, Ill.) Notre Dame
43 Michael Ford RB 5-10 200 Leesville (La.) LSU
44 Patrick Hall DB 6-1 185 St. Bonaventure (Ventura, Calif.) Southern California
45 Ronnell Lewis LB 6-3 220 Dewar (Okla.) Oklahoma
46 T.J. McDonald S 6-2 192 Edison (Fresno, Calif.) Southern California
47 Sam Montgomery DE 6-3 240 Greenwood (S.C.) LSU
48 Patrick Patterson WR 6-3 215 Noxubee County (Macon, Miss.) Mississippi
49 Jaamal Berry RB 5-10 185 Miami Palmetto Ohio State
50 Xavier Su'a Filo OL 6-4 285 Timpview (Provo, Utah) UCLA
51 Alex Okafor DE 6-4 232 Pflugerville (Texas) Texas
52 DeVonte Holloman DB 6-2 213 South Pointe (Rock Hill, S.C.) South Carolina
53 Eric Shrive OL 6-7 285 West Scranton (Scranton, Pa.) Penn State
54 Corey Adams DT 6-3 277 Saguaro (Scottsdale, Ariz.) Arizona State
55 Randall Carroll WR 5-11 175 Cathedral (Los Angeles) Southern California
56 Shaquelle Evans WR 6-0 203 Inglewood (Calif.) Notre Dame
57 Demonte McAllister DT 6-3 265 Alonso (Tampa) Florida State
58 Chris Whaley RB 6-3 218 Madisonville (Texas) Texas
59 Kevin Graf OL 6-6 307 Agoura (Calif.) Southern California
60 Logan Thomas TE 6-6 219 Brookville (Lynchburg, Va.) Virginia Tech
61 Terry Hawthorne WR 6-0 168 East St. Louis (Ill.) Illinois
62 Brandon McGee DB 5-11 186 Plantation (Fla.) Miami (Fla.)
63 Jon Bostic LB 6-1 218 Palm Beach Central (Wellington, Fla.) Florida
64 Cliff Harris DB 6-0 165 Edison (Fresno, Calif.) Oregon
65 Willie Downs ATH 6-2 185 Godby (Tallahassee, Fla.) Florida State
66 Nu'Keese Richardson WR 5-9 165 Pahokee (Fla.) Tennessee
67 Melvin Fellows DE 6-5 245 Garfield Heights (Ohio) Ohio State
68 Janzen Jackson DB 6-0 175 Barbe (Lake Charles, La.) LSU
69 Byron Moore ATH 6-1 188 Narbonne (Harbor City, Calif.) Southern California
70 Malliciah Goodman DE 6-4 258 West Florence (Florence, S.C.) Clemson
71 John Martinez OL 6-2 264 Cottonwood (Salt Lake City) Southern California
72 Ray Ray Armstrong DB 6-4 215 Seminole (Sanford, Fla.) Miami (Fla.)
73 Austin Long OL 6-5 268 Briarcrest Christian (Eads, Tenn.) Georgia
74 Nick Alajajian OL 6-4 280 Naples (Fla.) Florida
75 Josh Downs DT 6-1 275 Bastrop (La.) LSU
76 Justin Chaisson DE 6-4 252 Washington (Massillon, Ohio) Oklahoma
77 Lamar Miller RB 5-11 205 Miami Killian Miami (Fla.)
78 Abry Jones DT 6-3 273 Northside (Warner Robins, Ga.) Georgia
79 Craig Roh DE 6-4 225 Chaparral (Scottsdale, Ariz.) Michigan
80 Craig Drummond DE 6-5 260 Morgan Park (Chicago) Mississippi
81 Darren Myles DB 6-1 175 Carver (Atlanta) Tennessee
82 Logan Heastie WR 6-2 185 Great Bridge (Chesapeake, Va.) West Virginia
83 Kevin Minter LB 6-1 240 Peachtree Ridge (Suwanee, Ga.) LSU
84 Bryn Renner QB 6-3 185 West Springfield (Springfield, Va.) North Carolina
85 Tom Wort LB 6-1 210 New Braunfels (Texas) Oklahoma
86 Damario Jeffery ATH 6-3 215 Coumbia (S.C.) South Carolina
87 Edwin Baker RB 5-10 204 Oak Park (Mich.) Michigan State
88 Ronnie Wingo Jr. ATH 6-3 212 St. Louis (Mo.) University Arkansas
89 Frankie Telfort LB 5-11 197 Gulliver Prep (Miami) Southern California
90 Tana Patrick LB 6-3 215 North Jackson (Stevenson, Ala.) Alabama
91 Washaun Ealey RB 5-11 205 Emanuel County Institute (Twin City, Ga.) Georgia
92 David Oku RB 5-9 178 Carl Albert (Midwest City, Okla.)
93 Jamie Wood DB 6-2 185 Pickerington (Ohio) Central Ohio State
94 Marquis Simmons LB 6-2 215 Dominguez (Compton, Calif.) Southern California
95 Richard Brehaut QB 6-2 206 Los Osos (Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.) UCLA
96 Ryne Giddins DE 6-4 230 Armwood (Seffner, Fla.) South Florida
97 Chris Norman LB 6-2 207 Renaissance (Detroit) Michigan State
98 Morgan Moses OL 6-7 347 Meadowbrook (Richmond, Va.) Virginia
99 A.J. McCarron QB 6-4 190 St. Paul's (Mobile, Ala.) Alabama
100 Duron Carter WR 6-3 185 St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale) Ohio State
peace
Posted by: solarcane | February 17, 2009 at 10:27 PM
One day she will understand:
http://canespace.typepad.com/.a/6a00e008c67258883401116859e9b7970c-pi
Posted by: 86Cane | February 17, 2009 at 10:28 PM
One day she'll understand:
http://canespace.typepad.com/.a/6a00e008c67258883401116859e9b7970c-pi
Posted by: 86Cane | February 17, 2009 at 10:31 PM
86....
I love the pic of AJ holding up the Canespace Tee.
By the way, I too show off mine around The Score Complex.
Posted by: Ronny | February 17, 2009 at 10:33 PM
Ronny...SWEET! AJ is just the nicest guy U would ever want to meet. Humble, smart, down-to-earth and friendly. It is great seeing the players in that environment, out of uniform and mixing with the common people. Totally different than at a game.
Posted by: 86Cane | February 17, 2009 at 10:38 PM
86,
you get a picture of AJII or Pimp holding up or wearing a Canespace tee shirt, I will donate to you all the 2009 Canespace signage, vinyl stickers and any other various promo props you need.
peace
Posted by: solarcane | February 17, 2009 at 10:41 PM
Per ESPN, looks like STA has won the L. Joyner sweepstakes, and at least one local rb for next year is leaning UM's way. I think more than one will come this way when all is said and done. Hopefully Bernard being at STA, also, assuming he comes UM's way, will be able to show Joyner the error of his FSU lean ways!
Lamarcus Joyner, CB
Miami, FL
Saint Thomas Aquinas School
Scouts Grade: High School National Champions add Lamarcus Joyner
Cornerback Lamarcus Joyner has enrolled at Saint Thomas Aquinas High in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., according to ESPN's JC Shurburtt.
The ESPNU 150 Watch List prospect comes to STA from Miami Southwest. It was rumored he may enroll at Miami Columbus, but he settled on Aquinas.
Joyner recently stated that Florida, Florida State, Miami-FL, Notre Dame and Ohio State are in his early top five.
Joyner Update Archive Florida State
Florida
Notre Dame
Ohio State
Miami (FL)
Feb. 17
Giovanni Bernard, RB
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Saint Thomas Aquinas School
Scouts Grade: Giovanni Bernard focusing on four programs
ESPNU 150 Watch List running back Giovanni Bernard told affiliate Web site InsideTheU.com, "Well right now, you know, it's just basically Miami, they're really up there. West Virginia's up there, Oregon State and Maryland. Those are my four biggest schools right there."
The load-carrier for the nation's top high school team in 2008 added that he's also holding scholarship offers from Auburn, Boston College, Rutgers and Florida International.
Bernard, whose older brother Yvenson starred at Oregon State, recently ran a 4.58 40-yard dash at the Miami-FL Under Armour Combine.
Bernard Update Archive Maryland
Oregon State
West Virginia
Miami (FL)
___________________________
As for hoops tomorrow night, I think the Canes can handle FSU. I know there is no fourth qtr. in hoops, but they are still FSU!? :)
Posted by: JCane | February 17, 2009 at 10:41 PM
What are the odds on who commits first:
Bryce or Marve?
Posted by: Old Skool | February 17, 2009 at 10:44 PM
In 2003, The Andre Johnson Foundation, a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization, was founded as a way to give back to the community and to showcase the positive lifestyles and contribution of professional athletes. The foundation is committed to empowering and developing youth from single-parent homes, into responsible and educated citizens. Johnson wants to convey to all youth that no matter what your circumstances are, if you work hard, you can achieve your goals. He seeks to encourage today’s youth to reach their full potential in both athletic and academic pursuits. Youngsters from communities in Houston, Texas and Miami, Florida are the beneficiaries of the foundation’s programs.
Posted by: 86Cane | February 17, 2009 at 10:44 PM
Yeah, she saw her pic when you first posted it and laughed.
She didn't want me to post that message because she said you "knew" her and would scold her when you saw her again. She said "Hey, I go to the basketball games, you know!!"
Posted by: KLCaneFan | February 17, 2009 at 10:46 PM
soup,
here is the link to AJ's Foundation site if you want to add to the Canespace links
http://www.andrejohnsonfoundation.org/
peace
Posted by: solarcane | February 17, 2009 at 10:48 PM