Indianapolis Colts cornerback Xavien Howard stunned the NFL world on Wednesday, October 1, when the four-time Pro Bowler announced he is ending his comeback and retiring from the NFL midseason.
In an emotional social media post, the 32-year-old defender made it clear that his faith and family now take priority over football.
“Throughout my career, I’ve always played football for the love of the sport,” Howard wrote via Instagram. “I enjoyed everything that came with being part of the NFL, it was my passion for the game that drove me. I love and appreciate the Miami Dolphins for drafting me and giving me the chance to play pro football. I cannot thank the Indianapolis Colts enough for letting me continue to live out my dream, but my dream has now changed.”
He continued, “I’ve been getting closer to God and asking that He directs my path, “I am a man of faith, and I believe wholeheartedly that He doesn’t make mistakes. He has led me to ending my career. I am now putting God and my priorities first. When I was away from the game in 2024, I fell in love with taking my kids to school, doing activities with them and watching them grow up. Up to that point, I had always put my family after football. I’m no longer willing to do so. So today I am retiring from the National Football League.”
Isaac Rochell Announces Retirement from NFL After 7 Seasons
“My purpose has been fulfilled in this sport, but my kids are more important to me than football,” Howard’s post concluded. “I’ve had a hell of a career, and even though it’s ending in a unique way, I’m cool with that because for once I’m putting my family first, and I’m proud and excited about that decision.”
Howard had signed a one-year deal with Indianapolis this offseason after sitting out the 2024 season. His final game came in a Week 4 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, where he struggled in coverage against Rams’ star wide receiver Puka Nacua.
Colts head coach Shane Steichen addressed Howard’s play earlier this week, after he faced some early season issues getting back in rhythm with NFL offenses.
“We evaluate everything every week,” Steichen, 40. said Tuesday, September 30, during a press conference. “Like I said, (Howard) has been a really good player in this league for a long time. We’ve got to do a better job looking at different things and helping him in certain situations. He is a talented player, but we’ve got to improve in some areas, for sure.”
Kansas City Chiefs GM Expects ‘Fired Up’ Travis Kelce to Play Next Season
Howard’s decision comes just four games into his first season with Indianapolis. The Colts placed him on the reserve/retired list shortly after the announcement and signed safety Trey Washington to fill the roster spot.
Despite the abrupt ending, Howard leaves behind a decorated résumé.
Drafted in the second round by the Miami Dolphins in 2016 out of Baylor University, he quickly became one of the league’s premier ballhawks during his eight years in South Florida.
He led the NFL in interceptions twice, in 2018 and 2020, earned NFL First-Team All-Pro honors in 2020, and finished his career with 29 interceptions, 331 tackles, and 95 passes defended.
