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Joe Mixon’s NFL journey may have come to an emotional end. According to NFL insider Aaron Wilson, the former Pro Bowl running back has told several of his former Cincinnati Bengals teammates that he believes his NFL career is over.
If true, it would mark the conclusion of an impressive career that included multiple 1,000-yard rushing seasons and Pro Bowl appearances with two different franchises.
While Mixon has not made a public retirement announcement, the report paints a sobering picture for one of the league’s most productive running backs of the past decade.
MORE: Cowboys have one training camp problem they can’t ignore
Cincinnati Bengals halfback Joe Mixon (28) smiles on the sidelines in the fourth quarter of the NFL game between Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024.
The Bengals selected Mixon in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft, hoping he could become the centerpiece of their rushing attack.
That’s exactly what happened. Over eight seasons, Mixon established himself as one of the NFL’s most consistent backs, surpassing 1,000 rushing yards in five different seasons. His combination of power, vision, and receiving ability made him a reliable offensive weapon throughout his time in Cincinnati.
His standout 2021 campaign earned him his first Pro Bowl selection and solidified his place among the league’s top running backs.
After leaving Cincinnati, Mixon quickly found success with the Houston Texans.
He enjoyed another outstanding season in 2024, earning his second Pro Bowl selection while helping anchor Houston’s offense. At the time, it appeared the veteran still had plenty of productive football ahead of him.
Unfortunately, circumstances changed the following year dramatically.
Jan 18, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (28) runs the ball against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half of a 2025 AFC divisional round game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Mixon never appeared during the 2025-26 NFL season after suffering a severe foot and ankle injury.
What initially appeared to be a difficult injury eventually developed into a far more complicated situation. Texans management later described the lingering issues as a “freak medical condition,” preventing Mixon from returning to the field despite months of rehabilitation.
The uncertainty surrounding his health ultimately led Houston to release the veteran running back in March 2026. Despite his proven résumé, Mixon never found another opportunity before the start of the upcoming season.
Mixon will leave the game having built a career many running backs would envy. Five 1,000-yard rushing seasons, two Pro Bowl appearances, and nearly a decade as one of the NFL’s most dependable offensive players at his position.
His career also serves as another reminder of how quickly things can change for NFL running backs. One devastating injury can alter the trajectory of even the most accomplished players.
Whether Mixon eventually makes his retirement official or not, his impact on both the Bengals and Texans won’t be forgotten. From his breakout years in Cincinnati to his resurgence in Houston, Joe Mixon proved himself to be one of the most productive running backs of his generation.
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If true, it would mark the conclusion of an impressive career that included multiple 1,000-yard rushing seasons and Pro Bowl appearances with two different franchises.
While Mixon has not made a public retirement announcement, the report paints a sobering picture for one of the league’s most productive running backs of the past decade.
MORE: Cowboys have one training camp problem they can’t ignore
A Productive Career Begins in Cincinnati
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Cincinnati Bengals halfback Joe Mixon (28) smiles on the sidelines in the fourth quarter of the NFL game between Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024.
The Bengals selected Mixon in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft, hoping he could become the centerpiece of their rushing attack.
That’s exactly what happened. Over eight seasons, Mixon established himself as one of the NFL’s most consistent backs, surpassing 1,000 rushing yards in five different seasons. His combination of power, vision, and receiving ability made him a reliable offensive weapon throughout his time in Cincinnati.
His standout 2021 campaign earned him his first Pro Bowl selection and solidified his place among the league’s top running backs.
Success Continued in Houston
After leaving Cincinnati, Mixon quickly found success with the Houston Texans.
He enjoyed another outstanding season in 2024, earning his second Pro Bowl selection while helping anchor Houston’s offense. At the time, it appeared the veteran still had plenty of productive football ahead of him.
Unfortunately, circumstances changed the following year dramatically.
Injuries Changed Everything
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Jan 18, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (28) runs the ball against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half of a 2025 AFC divisional round game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Mixon never appeared during the 2025-26 NFL season after suffering a severe foot and ankle injury.
What initially appeared to be a difficult injury eventually developed into a far more complicated situation. Texans management later described the lingering issues as a “freak medical condition,” preventing Mixon from returning to the field despite months of rehabilitation.
The uncertainty surrounding his health ultimately led Houston to release the veteran running back in March 2026. Despite his proven résumé, Mixon never found another opportunity before the start of the upcoming season.
An Impressive Legacy
Mixon will leave the game having built a career many running backs would envy. Five 1,000-yard rushing seasons, two Pro Bowl appearances, and nearly a decade as one of the NFL’s most dependable offensive players at his position.
His career also serves as another reminder of how quickly things can change for NFL running backs. One devastating injury can alter the trajectory of even the most accomplished players.
Whether Mixon eventually makes his retirement official or not, his impact on both the Bengals and Texans won’t be forgotten. From his breakout years in Cincinnati to his resurgence in Houston, Joe Mixon proved himself to be one of the most productive running backs of his generation.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —
Continue reading...
