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Man behind Texans mascot from Lee's Summit

Posted at 7:13 PM, Oct 08, 2017
and last updated 2017-10-09 09:17:59-04

HOUSTON, Tex. — Gameday in Houston starts early for Andrew Johnson. The Lee’s Summit native puts a lot into his performances as the Texans mascot, Toro. 

"I want to be a really good mascot that is entertaining for the 72,000 fans that are inside this stadium, but I also want to do it with character and just make a difference in people’s lives," said Johnson.

He says the inspiration for his career started in 5th grade when years ago, KC Wolf took off his mask and let one of the kids at a library presentation try on the suit. Andrew got picked. 

From then, Johnson says he has served as several mascots from his high school in Lee’s Summit to Northwest Missouri State to the Missouri Mavericks and the Dallas Stars.

Since Hurricane Harvey hit, Johnson said the games have had added meaning.

“There is definitely more purpose behind this season than ever before,” he said. “The team has said this season is for the city of Houston.

From aerial stunts on game day to hundreds of appearances in the community, Johnson loves what he does.

"Every single day, I have to pinch myself that I get to step into a beautiful facility like this and work in football," Johnson said.