Sports

Texans Release WR Andre Johnson

Published

9 years ago

March 10, 2015

In this Dec. 28, 2014, file photo, Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson (80) makes a reception as Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Demetrius McCray (35) defends during the second half of an NFL football game in Houston. Johnson has been released by the Houston Texans, a person with knowledge of the move told The Associated Press, Monday, March 9, 2015. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because no formal announcement had been made by the team. (AP Photo/Patric Schneider, File)

KRISTIE RIEKEN, AP Sports Writer

Andre Johnson was released by the Houston Texans, and quarterback Ryan Mallett agreed to return to the team on Monday.

A 12-year veteran, Johnson, the longest-tenured Texan, was a first-round draft pick in 2003, joining the expansion team in its second season.

The 33-year-old Johnson had 85 catches for 936 yards last season, but the Texans were beginning to see DeAndre Hopkins as their top receiving threat.

“After exhausting all options of a possible trade, we informed Andre Johnson that he would be released (Monday),” general manager Rick Smith said. “No player in the history of this franchise has represented the team, city and community in a more professional way. Andre is a Hall of Fame caliber player and we appreciate his years of service and contributions to our team.”

Johnson is a seven-time Pro Bowler with seven 1,000-yard receiving seasons and has 1,012 receptions with 13,597 yards receiving in his career.

He led the NFL in yards receiving in 2008 and 2009. His career high came in 2012 when he had 1,598 yards receiving and the Texans reached the playoffs for the second time.

“Andre carried himself as a true professional and did everything that we asked him to do,” coach Bill O’Brien said. “Andre will go down as one of the best receivers to every play this game. We are thankful for what he has done for our organization and wish him well on his future playing career.”

Johnson played on just four teams with winning records and went through two 2-14 seasons with the Texans. He also had more than his fair share of quarterback woes. It started with the struggles of David Carr, included Matt Schaub performing so poorly in 2013 that he was benched, and playing with four different signal callers last season alone.

But Johnson was also there for the best times of this young franchise, helping the Texans to back-to-back AFC South titles and trips to the playoffs in 2011 and 2012. He had 25 receptions for 358 yards in four career playoff games.

It looked like he might be gone last season after he wondered if Houston “was still the place for me” before skipping all of the team’s offseason work. He returned in time for training camp and as late as December he said he wanted to spend his entire career in Houston.

“I don’t want to play for nobody else … I don’t even think it would feel right,” he said then.

But after the Texans told him recently they didn’t see him as their top receiver anymore, he’d had enough and asked to be released or traded.

The move is a blow for longtime Texans fans who have always seen Johnson as the face of the franchise, even with the emergence of star defensive end J.J. Watt. Johnson was sitting courtside at a Houston Rockets game last week when he was introduced and received a standing ovation from the sellout crowd as Whitney Houston’s song “I Will Always Love You” played and he waved to the crowd.

Johnson is second among active players and 12th all-time in career yards receiving. His 64 career touchdown receptions are 10th among active players and his 80.5 yards receiving a game are fourth among active players.

He’s fifth with 51 career 100-yard receiving games and holds an NFL record with 21 career games with at least 10 receptions and 100 or more yards receiving.

Houston also re-signed two of its free agents, cornerback Kareem Jackson and tackle Derek Newton.

Mallett has agreed to terms on a two-year contract with the Texans, another person familiar with the contract told the AP. The deal is worth $7 million over two years, with $1.75 million guaranteed. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the team has not announced the contract.

Mallett joined Houston last year in a trade with New England. A third-round draft pick by the Patriots in 2011, he appeared in only four games for them as Tom Brady’s backup. But he started twice in three appearances for Houston before tearing a pectoral muscle and missing the rest of the season.

He’s projected as the 2015 starter for the Texans, who also have Ryan Fitzpatrick and Tom Savage under contract and have shown interest in free agent Brian Hoyer.

Jackson comes off a strong season. He was drafted by the Texans 20th overall in 2010 and has started 71 of 74 games. Last year, in 13 games, he was the team’s top coverage defensive back and had 57 tackles (48 solo), nine passes defensed and three interceptions, including a career-high two in a Week 16 win over Baltimore.

“We definitely did some good things last year and I’m definitely eager to continue to build on what we started last year,” Jackson said.

Newton has appeared in 60 games since being selected in the seventh round in 2011, including starting the last 46 games he’s played in at right tackle.

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AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL

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AP Pro Football Writer Barry Wilner contributed to this report.

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Oakland Has Plans to Bring Roots and Soul Soccer to the Oakland Coliseum Area

The Oakland City Council’s Community and Economic Development (CED) Committee on Sept. 12 at 1:30 p.m. will discuss a resolution authorizing an Agreement with Oakland Roots and Soul Sports Club and Alameda County to lease land in the Coliseum area for use for the teams to play soccer games, welcoming thousands of fans to these locally oriented and growing teams.

Published

2 months ago

October 11, 2023

Oakland Post

From left to right: Oakland Soul players Aliyah Jones, Kaytlin Brinkman, Cecilia Gee, Maleni Morales, and Sam Tran. Photo courtesy of Oakland Soul.

By Post Staff

The proposal would then go to the full City Council to authorize Alameda County, and the Roots and Soul Soccer Sports Club to work out the details of the use of the property, known as the Malibu Lot, allowing the soccer club to return to Oakland and build a facility to play in the Coliseum Area.

During the proposed term of the lease, which is for up to 10 years, the facility would function as the home field for the Oakland Roots men’s and Oakland Soul women’s soccer teams.

“We are excited to have the Oakland Roots and Soul plan for a strong future in Oakland and appreciate their commitment to the community,” said Vice-Mayor Rebecca Kaplan, who also serves as the Oakland Alameda County Coliseum Authority (OACCA) Board chair.

“Having soccer in the Coliseum area aligns with our goals to keep this centrally located area vibrant,” she said.

Previously, Roots/Soul soccer entered into an agreement with the African American Sports and Entertainment Group (AASEG) to work together to enhance the future of the coliseum area.

AASEG has been selected by the Oakland City Council to lead the long-term development of the Coliseum property, with jobs, housing, commercial development, sports, and entertainment.

Bay Area

Richmond Tennis Player Wins Thriller at SF City Championships

Fernando Ramos of Richmond showcased his commitment to tennis, ultimately emerging as the champion in the highly competitive 3.0 Men’s Singles category. Dedicated to competing competitively since summer 2021 and honing his tennis abilities under RTA President Garry Hurlbut, Ramos’ journey to triumph was fueled by hard work and a passion for the sport, according to the RTA.

Published

2 months ago

October 4, 2023

Oakland Post

Fernando Ramos, a physical education teacher in Richmond, holds his prize after winning the San Francisco City Championships NTRP Gold Cup series tournament. Photo courtesy The Richmond Standard.

The 2023 San Francisco City Championships NTRP Gold Cup series tournament witnessed an exhilarating display of skill and determination during the Labor Day weekend.

Among the standout competitors, Fernando Ramos of Richmond showcased his commitment to tennis, ultimately emerging as the champion in the highly competitive 3.0 Men’s Singles category.

Dedicated to competing competitively since summer 2021 and honing his tennis abilities under RTA President Garry Hurlbut, Ramos’ journey to triumph was fueled by hard work and a passion for the sport, according to the RTA.

The prestigious tournament featured the top 32 players, all vying for the coveted title in a single elimination format.

Ramos confidently progressed through the rounds, employing his formidable counterpunching style. In the quarterfinals, he clashed with an equally determined opponent, Moon, who shared the same championship aspirations. The center court became a battleground of skill, witnessed by an enthralled crowd.

Long rallies and well-executed shots were exchanged as Moon prevailed in the first set 6-4. Ramos adjusted, rallying to win the second set 6-3 and maintaining momentum to win the super tiebreak, and the match, 10-7.

In the grand finale, Ramos faced off against formidable opponent Contini. The crowd, predominantly Richmond fans, cheered on Ramos, who battled back Contini’s aggressive left-handed baseliner and lethal lob game.

Ramos executed great court coverage and determination. The final was an intense battle, with both players pushing their limits. But Ramos’ expert shot placement ensured a hard-earned 7-5, 7-5 win.

Ramos expressed gratitude for his support and highlighted his intention to leverage the victory to inspire more involvement in tennis within the Richmond community.

A physical education teacher in Richmond, Ramos’ triumph serves as a reminder that passion, combined with relentless pursuit, can pave the path to success, according to RTC.

This report is courtesy of the Richmond Tennis Association.

Black History

Negro Leagues Baseball Museum to Induct Pitchers Mike Norris, Vida Blue

Mike Norris and the late Vida Blue, baseball legends who are also both known for supporting youth athletes in the local community, were recently named to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum’s (NLBM) seventh “Hall of Game” induction class.

Published

2 months ago

October 2, 2023

Oakland Post

Vida Blue (left) and Mike Norris. Courtesy Richmond Standard

The Richmond Standard

The NLBM is inducting five pitchers who were part of the iconic group known as the “Black Aces,” a term coined by the late Jim “Mudcat” Grant that celebrates 15 African American pitchers who won 20 games or more in a Major League Baseball season.

The five members headlining the 2023 Hall of Game Class include Norris, Blue, Al Downing, Dwight Gooden, and Dontrelle Willis.

“Dave Stewart, who will accept on behalf of Blue, his former Oakland A’s teammate, Ferguson Jenkins, J.R. Richard, and Mudcat Grant, were inducted into the Hall of Game in previous years,” the NLBM states. “CC Sabathia and David Price had schedule conflicts and will be inducted in a subsequent class.”

The 2023 Hall of Game, presented by Hy-Vee, will be held at 8 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 9 at the Gem Theater in Kansas City, MO.

The West Contra Costa County community is intimately familiar with Norris and Blue, who both played for Bay Area MLB teams and gained a reputation for supporting local youth ball players.

Blue died in May of last year. Norris remains involved locally, helping youth via participation in The Mike Norris Baseball Academy and San Pablo Baseball Association.