Ranking the top 25 wide receivers in NFL history…
Drafted third overall by the Houston Texans in 2003 out of Miami (FL), where he tallied 1,831 yards and 20 touchdowns, Johnson established himself as a dominant force on expansion teams, becoming the franchise’s cornerstone receiver.
Over 12 seasons with the Texans, he set records with 1,012 receptions, 13,597 yards and 64 touchdowns, earning seven Pro Bowl selections (2004, 2006, 2008-2010, 2012-2013) and two First-team All-Pro honors (2008-2009).
Johnson led the NFL in receiving yards twice (2008: 1,575; 2009: 1,569) and receptions twice (2008: 115; 2012: 112), with standout seasons including 2012’s 1,598 yards and a record 273-yard game against Jacksonville.
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He set NFL marks for most games with 10+ receptions in a season (seven, tied) and most seasons with 100+ catches and 1,400+ yards (four). In four playoff games, he amassed 25 receptions for 358 yards and one touchdown.
Released in 2015, Johnson signed with the Indianapolis Colts, posting 41 catches for 503 yards and four scores, before a brief Tennessee Titans stint in 2016 with nine receptions. He retired that year, signing a one-day Texans contract in 2017.
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Johnson’s career totals stand at 1,062 receptions, 14,185 receiving yards and 70 touchdowns across 193 games, ranking him 11th in all-time receiving yards and receptions upon retirement.
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Johnson’s standout attributes were his imposing 6-foot-3 frame, elite speed, and strong hands, making him a mismatch nightmare with physicality after the catch. His playing style was that of a classic deep-threat boundary receiver: precise route-runner, dominant in one-on-one coverage, and reliable chain-mover despite playing on inconsistent offenses.
Johnson’s quiet leadership earned respect from his teammates.
He [was inducted](https://www.profootballhof.com/news/2024/02/pro-football-hall-of-fame-to-enshrine-seven-in-class-of-2024/) into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2024 as the first Texan.
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Featured image via Brett Davis/USA TODAY Sports