Full Breakdown
Joe Mixon Says His NFL Playing Days Are Likely Over
7/24/2026, 12:54:19 AM
Core Event: Mixon Indicates Career End
Former Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon has told several of his ex-teammates that he believes his NFL career is finished. Mixon has not filed retirement paperwork, and the Houston Texans released him after acquiring running back David Montgomery. He remains a free agent with no team announced.
Background & Context
- 2017-2023 – Cincinnati Bengals: Selected in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft, Mixon became one of the franchise’s most productive backs, contributing to the Bengals’ run to Super Bowl LVI. Over seven seasons he amassed 6,412 rushing yards, 2,139 receiving yards, and 62 combined touchdowns in 97 games.
- 2024 – Trade to Houston Texans: The Bengals traded Mixon to the Texans in 2024 for a seventh-round draft pick. In his first season with Houston he recorded 1,016 rushing yards, 11 rushing touchdowns, and added 36 receptions for 309 yards and one receiving touchdown, earning his second Pro Bowl selection.
- 2025 – Season-ending injury: A serious leg injury required surgery before the 2025 season, keeping Mixon off the field for the entire year. The Texans later released him after bringing in Montgomery.
Data & Statistics
| Category | Bengals (2017-2023) | Texans (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing yards | 6,412 | 1,016 |
| Receiving yards | 2,139 | 309 |
| Total touchdowns | 62 | 12 (11 rushing, 1 receiving) |
| Games played | 97 | — (single season) |
Official Statements & Responses
NFL reporter Aaron Wilson provided the most detailed public commentary. He confirmed that Mixon has not filed retirement papers and that Mixon’s health has improved after surgery, describing him as “healthier.” Wilson also dismissed a circulating rumor that Mixon “shot himself in the foot,” labeling the story a “ridiculous urban legend.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The precise cause of Mixon’s 2025 injury remains unclear. One unverified claim suggested the injury resulted from an accidental self-inflicted gunshot, which Wilson categorically denied. Another explanation mentioned in reports is that Mixon may have dropped a weight on his foot, but no official medical statement has confirmed either scenario.
Verbatim Quotes
- “No, he has not filed his retirement papers,” — Aaron Wilson, NFL reporter
- “I had a source close to Joe tell me recently that there’s some hope, but I think it’s probably over,” — Aaron Wilson, NFL reporter
- “The good news is that Joe is healthier,” — Aaron Wilson, NFL reporter
- “He did not shoot himself in the foot,” — Aaron Wilson, NFL reporter
What’s Next
No team has announced interest in signing Mixon, and he has not indicated any plans to attend upcoming training camps. The possibility of a future comeback remains “some hope” according to a source cited by Wilson, but no concrete offers or timelines have been disclosed.
