Mixon's Career Ends
Joe Mixon's NFL career appears over due to serious foot injury; formal retirement pending.
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Key Points
1
In 2024 with the Texans, Joe Mixon rushed for 1,016 yards and 12 total touchdowns after being traded from Cincinnati, and he signed a three-year, $27 million extension with Houston.
2
Mixon missed the entire 2025 season due to a serious foot injury that required surgery, and he was released by the Texans after the season.
3
There has been no retirement filing, but Mixon has told former Bengals teammates that his NFL career is over, according to sources familiar with his discussions.
4
As of the offseason, multiple teams reportedly monitored Mixon’s status (including the Chiefs, Broncos and Steelers), but insiders say a return is unlikely, with some mention of health factors such as lack of blood flow to the foot.
Joe Mixon's NFL career appears to be over. The former Houston Texans running back missed the entire 2025 season with a serious foot injury that required surgery, and he has since been released by the team, according to SI.com. He has not filed official retirement papers, but the message he has sent to those close to him is clear.
Mixon has told former Cincinnati Bengals teammates that his playing days are finished, according to Clutch Points. NFL insider Aaron Wilson first reported the news, citing sources familiar with Mixon's private conversations. The confession marks a somber end to a career that seemed to have new life just one year ago.
A Career Revival Cut Short in Houston
Mixon was traded from Cincinnati to Houston ahead of the 2024 season. He made the most of the fresh start. He rushed for 1,016 yards and scored 12 total touchdowns, according to Total Pro Sports. His strong play earned him a three-year, $27 million contract extension with the Texans.
Then the foot injury struck. Mixon could not return for the 2025 season. The Texans eventually released him after the year ended. What looked like a career renaissance turned into what may be his final chapter in the NFL.
Foot Injury Details and Rumors Dismissed
The exact cause of the injury has not been fully disclosed. Reports indicate there may be a lack of blood flow to the foot, which could explain why recovery has been so difficult, according to Head Top Topics. That kind of condition can make a return to professional football nearly impossible.
Wild rumors about the injury spread online, including claims that Mixon had shot himself in the foot. Officials and those close to Mixon firmly rejected those stories. The truth appears to be a serious medical condition, not a dramatic incident, according to SSB Crack News.
No Retirement Papers, But the Message Is Clear
Mixon has not formally retired. No paperwork has been filed with the NFL, according to SSB Crack News. But the conversations he has had with former Bengals teammates leave little doubt. Sources say he has told friends his career is likely over.
Wilson reported that Mixon's overall health has improved. His quality of life is better. But returning to the field at an NFL level is a different matter entirely. Those close to him do not expect to see him suit up again, according to SI.com.
Teams Watching, But a Return Looks Unlikely
Several teams reportedly kept an eye on Mixon's status during the offseason. The Kansas City Chiefs, Denver Broncos, and Pittsburgh Steelers were among those monitoring the situation, according to Total Pro Sports. That interest shows his talent still draws attention around the league.
But interest is not the same as a deal. Insiders say there is little real chance of a return. Mixon is 28 years old and had seven seasons with the Bengals before Houston. If his career is indeed over, he ends it with over 9,000 rushing yards across his NFL career, according to Clutch Points.
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