National Football League

Andre Johnson says in retirement he'll always be a Texan

Published Nov. 2, 2016 8:51 p.m. ET

foxsports

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Wide receiver Andre Johnson says his mother taught him when a person decides to take their leave they should exit the same way they entered, explaining why he quietly retired midway through his 14th NFL season.

Johnson thanked everyone Wednesday for their texts, post and calls in a statement on Instagram, two days after telling Tennessee Titans coach Mike Mularkey he was retiring.

He also thanked his mother, an uncle, former Houston general manager Charley Casserly, the city of Miami and both the Colts and Titans.

Johnson wrote he is returning home to Houston where he ''will always be a Texan.''

He still is the leading receiver in Texans' history with 1,012 catches for 13,597 yards and 64 touchdowns.

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