Big, fast and the owner of soft hands, Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson is tough to cover for any NFL cornerback. With all of the tools at his disposal, only injuries have been able to slow Johnson down from becoming a bona fide superstar on the gridiron and in the eyes of collectors.
At the University of Miami, Johnson starred in football and track. Desperate for a big play receiver, the Texans liked what they saw and selected him third overall in the 2003 NFL Draft.
While most rookie receivers get to absorb the pro game slowly, Johnson was thrown into the fire immediately - and he prospered, with 976 yards receiving. He had his first 1,000 yard season in 2004, but injuries kept him out of 12 games between 2005 and 2007.
Fully healthy in 2008, Johnson took his game to the next level. Through 14 games, he racked up 1,408 yards on 103 catches with six touchdowns. Justifiably, he was named as a Pro Bowl starter for the AFC.
Unlike the T.O.'s and Chad Ocho Cinco's of the world, Johnson is known for his soft-spoken demeanor off the field. As he prepares to accept the torch from his older, more outspoken counterparts, it's his selection of 2003 rookie cards that are poised to make noise well into the next decade.
2003 Andre Johnson Rookie Cards
- Absolute Memorabilia # 165 - jersey card #'d to 750
- Bowman # 200
- Bowman Chrome # 195
- Bowman's Best # 124 - autographed, #'d to 199
- Donruss Classics # 180 - #'d to 900
- Donruss Elite # 130 - #'d to 500
- Flair # 124 - #'d to 500
- Fleer Authentix # 118 - #'d to 1250
- Fleer Avant # 63 - #'d to 699
- Fleer Focus # 124 - #'d to 699
- Fleer Genuine Insider # 107 - #'d to 499
- Fleer Mystique # 108 - #'d to 699
- Fleer Platinum # 263 - #'d to 500
- Fleer Showcase # 105 - #'d to 350
- Fleer Snapshot # 100 - #'d to 500
- Fleer Tradition # 277
- Gridiron Kings # 120
- Hot Prospects # 101 - jersey card #'d to 750
- Leaf Certified Materials # 165 - jersey card #'d to 1250
- Leaf Limited # 145 - autographed, #'d to 150
- Leaf Rookies and Stars # 266 - jersey card #'d to 550
- Playoff Contenders # 141 - autographed, #'d to 199
- Playoff Hogg Heaven # 205 - jersey card #'d to 750
- Playoff Honors # 201 - jersey card #'d to 700
- Playoff Prestige # 181
- Score # 295
- SkyBox LE # 109 - #'d to 99
- SP Game Used # 134 - #'d to 600
- SP Signature # 187 - #'d to 250
- SPx # 202 - autographed jersey card #'d to 250
- Sweet Spot # 222 - #'d to 100
- Topps # 380
- Topps All American # 136
- Topps Chrome # 235
- Topps Collection # 380
- Topps Draft Picks and Prospects # 147
- Topps Pristine # 54
- Topps Total # 460
- UD Patch Collection # 136
- Ultimate Collection # 105 - #'d to 750
- Ultra # 164
- Upper Deck # 253
- Upper Deck Finite # 292 - #'d to 100
- Upper Deck Honor Roll # 133 - #'d to 2003
- Upper Deck MVP # 373
- Upper Deck Pros and Prospects # 125