Xavien Howard bids Farewell Four Games into Season. 

On October 1, 2025, Indianapolis Colts cornerback Xavien Howard announced his retirement, which came as a shock. At 32 years old, he left the game not for injury or declining love of football, but for something deeper: family.

“My purpose has been fulfilled in this sport, but my kids are more important to me than football,” Howard announced in a post on Instagram. “I’m no longer willing to put football ahead of my family.”

This decision marked the end of a tumultuous but often brilliant nine-season NFL journey, one that saw Howard rise to elite status in his prime.

A Bit of Backstory: 

Howard’s rise to prominence began at Baylor University, where he became a shutdown corner. Drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the second round (38th overall) of the 2016 NFL Draft, Howard spent the first eight seasons of his career as a fixture, becoming a two-time All-Pro.

During his time in Miami, Howard earned:

• 4 Pro Bowl selections (2018, 2020, 2021, 2022)
• First-team All-Pro honors in 2020
• Twice led the league in interceptions (2018, 2020)
• A career stat line of 342 total tackles, 29 interceptions, 95 pass defenses, 2 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, 6 fumble recoveries and 4 defensive touchdowns

His coverage reputation peaked in 2020 when he not only intercepted 10 passes (leading the league) but also racked up 20 passes defended. That performance earned him the All-Pro nod.

Unfortunately, the final chapters of his Dolphins era were complicated. The team released him in March 2024 likely for salary cap reasons even though Howard saw no path back:

“That door is closed … I know that door is closed,” he said on WQAM’s The Joe Rose Show.

He spent the 2024 season entirely out of football, dealing with a foot injury (a Lisfranc issue) and attempting to test the market. It was during this period he realised how much his family means to him. He confessed that “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,”

The Comeback with the Colts

In August 2025, the Colts reeling from injuries in their secondary, signed Howard to a one-year deal worth $5 million. The hope was that he’d bring veteran stability and perhaps rekindle some of his old form, especially given his familiarity with Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo (who had coached Howard in Miami).

In his first game back against his former team, the Dolphins, Howard recovered a fumble and helped his new defense dominate. In that same game, he reportedly did not allow a reception on his limited targets, showing flashes that some believed he could still contribute. His early stat line through four games: 11 tackles and one fumble recovery.

However, this was cut short and led to some setbacks.Howard began struggling in recent weeks.

In Week 4, against the Los Angeles Rams, Howard surrendered 7 completions on 10 targets for 112 yards and a touchdown, contributing to a 155.6 passer rating when thrown his way.

Over those four games, he allowed 16 receptions on 22 targets for 195 yards and 3 touchdowns, with no interceptions or pass breakups.

Advanced metrics were unforgiving. His Pro Football Focus grade was a dismal 36.1 which makes him rank 156th out of 164 cornerbacks. His targeted EPA (Expected Points Added) was among the worst in the league at 14.3. Opposing quarterbacks achieved a 131.9 passer rating when targeting Howard.

The Colts’ defensive coordinator, Lou Anarumo, tried to deflect criticism, saying the struggles weren’t solely Howard’s fault:

“You’re playing against an elite passing game with two elite receivers and a quarterback, and at some point, rust or no rust, we’ve got to make sure we’re out there and guarding the guys we’re tasked to guard. We’ve all got to do a better job. Not just X, but me.”

But Sunday’s loss to the Rams seemed the final straw. The Colts placed Howard on the reserve/retired list, making his decision official.

He appreciated the Colts in his Instagram post:

“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…”

The career has been full of highs and lows. Howard’s peak was unquestionably elite.When healthy and tested, he could lock down receivers, make plays on the ball, and intimidate quarterbacks. But off the field, injuries, contract issues, and time away exacted a toll.

He decides to choose family over fame and this is what makes his retirement stand apart.

Athletes often cling to the game until forced out. Howard chose a different path: stepping away early to protect moments that won’t repeat.

Final Thoughts

In a world that often demands more seasons, more contracts, more stats. He paused, considered what mattered most, and chose differentlyThe career has been full of highs and lows. , putting his family above all. He said:

“My purpose has been fulfilled … I’m cool with that because for once I’m putting my family first and I’m proud and excited about that decision.”