Joe Mixon missed the entire year with a mysterious foot and ankle injury that the Houston Texans refused to explain in any detail, and the silence surrounding his absence fueled months of speculation.
Houston released Mixon on March 6 after trading for David Montgomery from the Detroit Lions days earlier, saving $8 million in cap space. The veteran running back has remained unsigned throughout the offseason, and recently, KPRC-2 Houston reporter Aaron Wilson reported that Mixon has told former teammates his NFL career is likely over.
Joe Mixon’s Retirement Report Sparks Reactions
Wilson, who covered Mixon throughout his time in Houston, reported on a Tuesday livestream that the running back had informed his former Cincinnati Bengals teammates of his decision.
“He [Mixon] has not filed his retirement papers,” Wilson said. “He has told former teammates from the Bengals that his career is over. I had a source close to
Joe tell me recently there’s some hope, but I think it’s probably over.”
Wilson’s comments sparked a wave of reaction from fans and media across social media, with many expressing disbelief at how quickly Mixon’s career unraveled after a dominant 2024 campaign.
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NFL writer John Frascella reacted to the news and said, “Apparently… Joe Mixon has informed ex-Bengals teammates that his NFL career is likely OVER. A good, solid running back likely to hang ‘em up.”
Apparently…
Joe Mixon has informed ex-Bengals teammates that his NFL career is likely OVER.
A good, solid running back likely to hang ‘em up https://t.co/AGLupa2Zwt
— John Frascella (Football) (@NFLFrascella) July 23, 2026
One user on X added, “This is crazy. He was RB1 or close to RB1 in 2024? And we still have no idea what happened.”
An account named ‘Bengals Central,’ wrote: “He better retire a Bengal.”
He better retire a Bengal🥹 https://t.co/53MDgJr5nq pic.twitter.com/UeHoYR1Bg1
— Bengals Central (@BengalsCentral_) July 23, 2026
Physical therapist Brandon raised the main question and said, “Okay, so when do we find out what actually happened to Joe Mixon?”
Jeff Mueller, who is a doctor of physical therapy, added, “This fits with the info that I was told. I never knew exactly how it happened but was told “a bone is dying” which fits an avascular necrosis issue from a crush injury (drop weight on bone). Also fits why Joe Mixon was trying shockwave therapy. Glad most of you avoided in 2025!”
This fits with the info that I was told.
I never knew exactly how it happened but was told “a bone is dying” which fits an avascular necrosis issue from a crush injury (drop weight on bone).
Also fits why Joe Mixon was trying shockwave therapy.
Glad most of you avoided in 2025! https://t.co/4slCha90C5— Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT (@jmthrivept) July 23, 2026
One Bengals fan wrote, “This is sad. When we drafted him everyone clowned us and hated the pick. But he became one of the best RBs in Bengals history. Hope that he can get healthy and get another chance.”
Another Bengals fan added, “If true, heartbreaking man, but I hope we can see 28 around Paycor sometime. One of my all-times!”
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After seven seasons in Cincinnati, where he helped the Bengals reach Super Bowl LVI, Mixon proved he still had plenty left when he arrived in Houston for the 2024 season.
In the 2024 season, he rushed for 1,016 yards and 11 touchdowns while averaging 4.1 yards per carry. Mixon also had 36 receptions for 309 yards and a touchdown. According to PFN’s RB Impact Metric, he posted an impact score of 77.6, ranking 12th in the league.
His absence in 2025 was arguably the biggest loss on Houston’s roster. C.J. Stroud posted the worst statistical season of his young career, and the Texans’ rushing attack ranked 22nd in the league at 108 yards per game.
Houston addressed the void by trading for Montgomery in March and pairing him with second-year back Woody Marks, giving the backfield a fresh identity heading into 2026.
If he ends up retiring, Mixon will finish his career with 7,428 rushing yards and 60 rushing touchdowns across eight seasons. He made the Pro Bowl twice in his career, and according to Spotrac, made $55,211,476 during his time in the NFL.
