Being Traded Not Option for Andre Johnson

HOUSTON - All-Pro receiver Andre Johnson said Saturday that he is committed to playing his entire career in a Houston Texans uniform.

That assertion contradicts what his uncle Andre Melton, who also handles Johnson's business affairs, told ESPN The Magazine in this week's issue.

The magazine writes that Melton said if the Texans don't turn the corner soon, there is a plan in place (for Andre Johnson) to force a move elsewhere.

"If he never gets a chance at a ring and I let him stay, I'd be doing him an injustice," Melton told ESPN The Magazine.

"Andre has done everything and given everything for that franchise. At some point, if your best player becomes angry and doesn't want to be there, there's just something wrong with your franchise."

Johnson said his uncle is not speaking for him on this issue.

"That's what my uncle said," Johnson said Saturday in an interview with FOX 26 Sports and the Houston Chronicle. "It didn't come from me. Everybody has a right to their own opinion.

"Is it something he's talked to me about? Yeah. I'm not going to sit here and lie and say he hasn't brought it to my attention or anything like that. That's something I'm not worried about. To be honest, I haven't even really thought about it."

Johnson quickly reached out to Texans general manager Rick Smith to let him know where he stands.

"I don't want anyone in the organization to be worried about it," Johnson said. "I've talked to Rick about it. To me it's not a big deal.

"I wish he didn't say it. By that coming out now and having the game it could be a distraction. Like I said, I talked to Rick about it the other morning. We killed it and that's it."

Since the Texans play the Tennessee Titans on Monday night on ESPN, there is a real good chance that Melton's quote will be a topic of conversation on national television.

"It's his opinion," Johnson said. "It's not something I came to him with. It's just something he's thought about. He feels a certain way. If it was me saying something about it then it's a different story. I don't think it's a big deal.

"I really think it happened at a bad time. You really can't control what other people say. I wish it was something he didn't say."

Prior to the 2007 season Johnson, who still had two years left on his original contract, signed a six-year extension with the Texans worth $60 million, with $15 million in guaranteed money.

He is tied to the Texans for five more years after the 2009 season.

"I plan on being here," Johnson said. "That's my plan.

"I plan on being a Texan until the day I retire."

Johnson, who led the NFL in receptions and receiving yardage in 2008 is having another terrific year.

Johnson has 54 catches (7th best in the NFL) and 800 yards receiving (third best in the NFL).

His 14.8 average yards per catch is second best in the NFL among the top 20 receivers.

Johnson's uncle has not returned phone calls and text messages from FOX 26 Sports.