While not confirmed, Joe Mixon’s playing career may be coming to an end.
Mixon has informed his former Bengals teammates that he has retired from football after sitting out the previous season due to an unexplained injury, as reported by Texans insider Aaron Wilson.
During a Tuesday livestream, Wilson noted that the former Bengals and Texans running back has been candid about his retirement intentions.
Wilson said Mixon has not yet submitted retirement paperwork, but he has told former Bengals teammates that his career is finished. A source close to Mixon mentioned there remains some hope, though Wilson believes it is likely over.
After being sidelined for the first four weeks of last season, Mixon missed the remainder of the year with what appeared to be a leg injury, though few specifics were disclosed.
Texans general manager Nick Caserio acknowledged that the club was uncertain about Mixon’s rehabilitation status, describing the situation as an atypical medical issue.
Prior to the March 6 free‑agency period, the Texans released Mixon at his request, freeing up approximately $8 million in salary‑cap space.
During his only healthy season with Houston in 2024, Mixon accumulated 1,016 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns, averaging 4.1 yards per carry despite a struggling offensive line.
Although his 2024 campaign was productive, Mixon is best remembered for his seven‑year tenure with the Bengals, during which he amassed 6,412 rushing yards and 49 touchdowns.
During the Bengals’ 2021 Super Bowl march, Mixon contributed 262 rushing yards and a touchdown over four postseason contests.
With Mixon no longer on the roster, the Texans’ backfield is led by newly signed David Montgomery and 2025 fourth‑round selection Woody Marks.
