Colts' Andre Johnson Treats Houston-Area Kids to $18K Christmas Shopping Spree

Indianapolis Colts receiver Andre Johnson is no longer with the Houston Texans, but that doesn't mean that he has stopped giving back to the community in which he spent 12 years in.

Johnson annually took on the role of Santa Claus during his time in Houston, taking kids from Harris County’s Child Protective Services on a holiday shopping spree.

The rules are simple: Whatever kids can get in their cart in [Johnson's uniform number] seconds, they get to have—courtesy of the NFL star. In past years, it was 80 seconds. Johnson switched to No. 81 when he signed with Indianapolis, so the kids had an extra second this year.

Last year, Johnson foot the bill for more than $16,000 worth of toys. That total was topped this year.

Johnson was not able to be at the store with the kids this year, but the tradition continued. The Colts wideout FaceTimed the kids so that he got to experience the event. 

Judging by the photos and videos, per Courtney Fischer of ABC 13, everyone had a good time:

This year, according to Matt Young of the Houston Chronicle, Andre Claus was left with a bill of $18,030.25.

Johnson easily could have stopped hosting this event when he and the Texans parted ways. However, this is something that means a lot to him (and the kids), so he found a way to make it happen again this year.

Here's what Johnson had to say about the event, per Young:

"

I am just blessed to be in the position to be able to make a difference in the lives of these kids during the holidays. I always look forward to this event each year because I am able to show my appreciation to my community and give back.

"

Very cool move by the veteran receiver.

[Twitter, Instagram; h/t Houston Chronicle]