Former Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon has informed former Cincinnati Bengals teammates that his NFL career is over, following a severe foot injury that sidelined him for the entire 2025 season.
According to NFL insider Aaron Wilson of KPRC-2 Houston, Mixon remains an unrestricted free agent after being released by the Houston Texans in March 2026.
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He has not officially filed retirement paperwork with the league.
Wilson reported that complications from the foot injury, including blood flow issues and an infection, required multiple surgical procedures.
The procedures were aimed at improving Mixon's daily mobility and overall health off the field.
“No, he has not filed his retirement papers,” Wilson said. “He has told former teammates from the Bengals that his career is over.”
Wilson also addressed rumors about the cause of the injury, dismissing claims of a firearm accident. “He did not shoot himself in the foot,” Wilson stated.
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“That was a ridiculous urban legend. It was not true at all.”
Mixon spent his first seven NFL seasons with the Bengals after being drafted in the second round in 2017.
He earned a Pro Bowl selection and helped the team reach Super Bowl LVI.
Over 111 career games, Mixon recorded 7,428 rushing yards and 62 total touchdowns.
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In his final active season with the Texans in 2024, he rushed for 1,016 yards and 11 touchdowns.
