HOUSTON (September 6, 2012) -- Andre Johnson got to make his NFL debut in his hometown when the Houston Texans opened the 2003 season in Miami.

Big underdogs, the Texans upset the Dolphins 21-20 that day and Johnson began what seems now to be a Hall of Fame career.

Houston opens the season with Miami again on Sunday, this time at Reliant Stadium. The Texans are the heavy favorites now and harbor Super Bowl aspirations.

Johnson, now 31, is entering his 10th season and knows better than to take anything for granted. He's the only player who was here before Gary Kubiak became the coach in 2006, and he's seen the worst of times for this franchise. He hopes he can last long enough to see the long, sometimes painful, journey end with a championship.