Former Houston Texans All-Pro receiver Andre Johnson joined Bill O’Brien’s coaching staff in the offseason as “special adviser to the head coach and general manager.”
While it is a vague title, it is a broad stepping stone that allows the inaugural Texans Ring of Honor member to discover what parts of the pro athlete’s afterlife he enjoys. So far, Johnson seems to like the coaching side better than the scout or front office work.
“Well, a lot of the time you catch yourself,” Johnson said. “Like I’m sitting in meetings and — for instance, yesterday, I actually just got up and went to the board and just started showing guys different things, how they can improve something on the field. I think it’s just more of your natural instinct, because I played the game for a long time, I love the game of football.”
Tuesday, during the final week of organized team activities, Johnson was coaching the receivers as practice went on inside Methodist Training Center.
“When you’re out there and you see guys doing something where they can better themselves, I think your instincts just kick in and you want to show them things that can help them,” said Johnson.
With fellow former NFL receiver Wes Welker having departed his role as an offensive assistant to become the wide receivers coach in San Francisco this offseason, Johnson has the opportunity to become the mentor this young wide receiver corps needs, as well as an experienced player with plenty to offer for this offense as a whole.
