Xavien Howard Retirement: Colts Cornerback Announces Exit
- Two-time All-Pro cornerback Xavien Howard unexpectedly announced his retirement Wednesday, bringing an end to a nine-year NFL career.
- In a stunning turn of events, Indianapolis colts cornerback Xavien Howard has retired from the NFL, the team announced Wednesday evening.
- Howard signed a one-year, $1.3 million contract with the Colts in August, hoping to revitalize his career.
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Xavien Howard Retires: Colts Cornerback Ends Career After Four Games in Indianapolis
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Two-time All-Pro cornerback Xavien Howard unexpectedly announced his retirement Wednesday, bringing an end to a nine-year NFL career. The Indianapolis Colts, who signed Howard in August, confirmed the decision.
Published October 2,2025
The Shocking Announcement
In a stunning turn of events, Indianapolis colts cornerback Xavien Howard has retired from the NFL, the team announced Wednesday evening. Howard,32,was absent from Wednesday’s practice due to personal reasons and was later placed on the reserve/retired list.
Howard signed a one-year, $1.3 million contract with the Colts in August, hoping to revitalize his career. However, he struggled during his four games with the franchise, failing to record an interception and allowing a high completion percentage.
Former #Colts CB Xavien Howard via IG:
“I cannot thank the Indianapolis Colts enough for letting me continue to live out my dream but my dream has now changed. …”
“… I had always put my family after football. I’m no longer willing to do so. So today I am retiring …” pic.twitter.com/26QTBwYT0M
– james Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) October 1, 2025
In a statement posted to Instagram, Howard cited a shift in priorities, emphasizing the importance of family over football. “I had always put my family after football. I’m no longer willing to do so. So today I am retiring…”
A Decorated Career Cut Short
Howard was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft. He quickly established himself as a premier cornerback, earning two Pro Bowl selections (2018, 2020) and two First-Team All-Pro honors (2018, 2020). from 2016 to 2025, howard amassed an impressive 29 interceptions, the second-most in the NFL during that period, trailing only Justin Simmons (30).
Key Career Stats
| Season | Team | Games Played | Interceptions | Passes Defended | Tackles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 |
|