The Indianapolis Colts were hit with a curveball on Wednesday after it was revealed that cornerback Xavien Howard was retiring from the NFL.
The former Miami Dolphins corner started over the first four games of the 2025 season for the 3-1 Colts. However, he saw no shortage of struggles, especially in the Week 4 loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
But his retirement was still a surprise and left many wondering what was behind it. On Wednesday evening, Howard explains why he's hanging up his cleats.
"My purpose has been fulfilled in this sport, but my kids are more important to me than football," Howard explained on Instagram. "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 was a second-round pick of the Dolphins in 2016 and spent eight seasons with the franchise. In that time, Howard became one of the best cornerbacks in the league, earning four Pro Bowl nods and two All-Pro selections (one first-team).
The cornerback's play went off a cliff in 2023, leading to Miami cutting ties with the veteran, who ended up sitting out 2024 because of injury and legal issues.
"I talked to my agent and there was team interest, but I'm like, 'I'm not 100%,'" he said. "'I can't go out there and put that on film.'
"So, I just really just let my body heal up. Then, some legal stuff popped up and [teams] were asking about it and then they stopped," Howard added.
Howard latched on with the Colts in August and was expected to play a key role in the defense all season long. Now, the Colts will have to find a replacement.
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