Joe Mixon reportedly tells former teammates his NFL career is over

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Joe Mixon's NFL career may be nearing its end.

According to Texans reporter Aaron Wilson, Mixon has told former Cincinnati Bengals teammates that his playing career is over, although he has not officially filed retirement papers with the NFL.

"He has not filed his retirement papers. He has told former teammates from the Bengals that his career is over," Wilson said during a recent livestream. "I had a source close to Joe tell me recently there's some hope, but I think it's probably over."

The report comes after a year filled with uncertainty surrounding Mixon's health.

A mysterious injury ended his 2025 season

After being ruled out for the opening four weeks of the 2025 season, Mixon ultimately missed the entire year due to what was described as a leg injury. Few specifics were ever publicly disclosed regarding the nature of the injury.

Texans general manager Nick Caserio previously referred to the situation as a "freak medical situation" and acknowledged that even the organization lacked clarity on Mixon's recovery timeline.

The uncertainty eventually led Houston to release Mixon at his request before free agency in March, creating approximately $8 million in salary cap space.

While the exact circumstances surrounding the injury remain largely unknown, it ultimately prevented Mixon from building on what had been an outstanding first season in Houston.

Mixon made an immediate impact in Houston

Although his Texans tenure lasted just one healthy season, Mixon made a significant impact both on and off the field in 2024.

Acquired from Cincinnati before the season, the veteran running back rushed for 1,016 yards and 11 touchdowns while averaging 4.1 yards per carry despite running behind an offensive line that battled injuries and inconsistency throughout the year.

His production earned him a Pro Bowl selection, but his value extended beyond the stat sheet.

Mixon brought veteran leadership, toughness, and a physical mentality that helped establish the identity of Houston's offense. He became a respected voice in the locker room and consistently set the tone with his hard-nosed running style.

His absence was noticeable throughout the 2025 season as the Texans struggled to replicate the balance, leadership, and downhill presence he provided.

Productive career could be coming to a close

Before arriving in Houston, Mixon spent seven seasons with the Bengals, rushing for 6,412 yards and 49 touchdowns while helping Cincinnati reach Super Bowl LVI during the 2021 season.

If Wilson's report proves accurate, Mixon would finish his NFL career with more than 7,400 rushing yards, over 60 rushing touchdowns, multiple Pro Bowl appearances, and a reputation as one of the league's most productive running backs over the past decade.

For Texans fans, his time in Houston was brief, but his impact during the 2024 season helped stabilize the offense and provided the veteran leadership the team needed during its AFC South title run.

Whether Mixon officially announces his retirement or attempts another comeback, his lone season in Houston will be remembered as an important chapter in the Texans' continued rise under DeMeco Ryans.