Andre Johnson was named a Home Depot NFL MVP All-Star in recognition of his community involvement in Houston.
TAMPA, Fla. -Andre Johnson has established himself as one of the league's most elusive wide receivers. Keeping up with him during the media frenzy at the Super Bowl might be just as hard.
Johnson's lineup on Wednesday went something like this: At 10 a.m., he was recognized as a Home Depot NFL Neighborhood MVP All-Star along with Carolina's Steve Smith and Dallas' Jason Witten. The group of honorees then helped to build a playground for a Tampa school in need.
At 2 p.m., Johnson joined Washington's Clinton Portis and the New York Jets' Nick Mangold for a press conference about being named to the Pro Bowl. Thirty minutes later, Johnson hit Radio Row and interviewed with the NFL Network and several radio stations. Johnson also took time to catch up with friends like Michael Irvin, who congratulated him on his record-setting season, and with HoustonTexans.com's Brooke Bentley, who asked him 10 questions about his week in Tampa.
1. Brooke Bentley: What does it mean to be recognized as one of the most community-oriented players in the league?
Andre Johnson: It means a lot. I really didn't know how big of a deal it was until I got here to build the playground. It's a special event. There's a lot of hard work that goes into it. All the guys said that they worked a lot harder on this playground than the ones they did in the city that they play in. I was out here using drills and building benches. I definitely got dirty today.
2. Brooke Bentley: You were named a Home Depot NFL Neighborhood MVP All-Star because of your community involvement through the Texans and your foundation. Talk about the community work that you do.
Andre Johnson: The Andre Johnson Foundation is something I started my rookie season. It reaches out to single-parent homes. It encourages kids who don't have a father or a mother and lets them know they can still accomplish what they want to do. I grew up in a single-parent home, and that was my motivation for starting this foundation. I have done several things in Houston. I had a shopping spree at Christmas for 12 kids in Child Protective Services. I have worked with elementary schools and held turkey drives. Working with kids is really important to me.
3. Brooke Bentley: You have had a very busy media schedule so far. What are most people asking you in the interviews?
Andre Johnson: They want to know if something changed last season and how I was able to have such a good season. I tell them that the season started off kind of rough, but I said to myself that I would do whatever I needed to do to help my team win games. I didn't put pressure on myself and I just went out did what my team needed me to do. I also got a lot of opportunities, and I tried to do the best I could with the opportunities.
4. Brooke Bentley: Are many people comparing you to Arizona wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald?
{QUOTE}Andre Johnson: I try not to get caught up in that. Larry has had a great season. He's had a great postseason. He set a record for receiving yards in the postseason. He's doing a great job – he's carrying his team and he's in the Super Bowl.
5. Brooke Bentley: Who are you cheering for in the Super Bowl?
Andre Johnson: I have a few Miami teammates (Edgerrin James and Antrel Rolle) on the Cardinals, so I would like those guys to win and get a Super Bowl ring.
6. Brooke Bentley: Who do you think will win the game?
Andre Johnson: I think the Cardinals have a lot of confidence right now. My prediction is that they beat the Steelers, 20-17.
7. Brooke Bentley: After this, you head to Hawaii for the Pro Bowl. Are you getting ready for the trip?
Andre Johnson: I'll leave for Hawaii on Monday. I can't wait to get over there and relax and get ready to play a football game.
8. Brooke Bentley: Well, I get to be the first to tell you that tight end Owen Daniels also will be playing with you. What do you think of that news?
Andre Johnson: I think my "Vote for Owen" shirt paid off! He deserves it, and it's great that we have three guys going.
9. Brooke Bentley: You are taking all of the wide receivers with you to Hawaii. Which player is the most excited to go?
Andre Johnson: I think Jacoby (Jones) might be the most excited because it's his first time to go over there. David Anderson is also pretty excited. He's been talking about it for a while.
10. Brooke Bentley: Finally, what are you doing for fun here in Tampa?
Andre Johnson: I'm taking it day by day. I might stop by the Moves Magazine party tonight. I have the NFL Alumni dinner on Friday, and I am excited to get the Wide Receiver of the Year Award. I'm pretty sure I'll find some other things to do.
Follow Johnson, Daniels and defensive end Mario Williams at the 2009 Pro Bowl with exclusive coverage on HoustonTexans.com at the 2009 Pro Bowl Central page.
