Running back Joe Mixon has reportedly informed former teammates that his NFL career has concluded due to a persistent and mysterious foot condition. Mixon, 29, missed the entirety of the 2025 season following a "freak" foot injury sustained in the 2025 offseason.
The Houston Texans released Mixon in March, more than a year after he was placed on the non-football injury list. The exact nature of the injury has not been publicly detailed, with general manager Nick Caserio describing it as a "freak" occurrence and reports indicating it is a "condition" rather than a specific injury.
KPRC-2 Houston reporter Aaron Wilson stated on a livestream this week that while there was some hope for a return, Mixon has told friends and former Cincinnati Bengals teammates that he does not intend to play football again. Wilson also reported that Mixon has experienced issues with blood flow to his injured foot and recently underwent another surgery.
Mixon was sidelined throughout the 2025 season, with then-head coach DeMeco Ryans offering no concrete updates on his condition. "I don't know the answer to that right now. No clarity," Ryans told reporters in January when asked about Mixon's potential return for the upcoming season. Ryans characterized the injury as a "freak thing" that occurred away from team facilities and was not the result of irresponsible behavior. Mixon signed a three-year, $27 million contract extension with the Texans in 2024, his first season with the team after seven years with the Bengals. In 2024, he ran for 1,016 yards and 11 touchdowns. His release in March saved the Texans approximately $8 million in cap space.
The Texans reached the divisional round of the playoffs for the third consecutive season in 2025, but their offense was impacted by Mixon's absence. The team relied on rookie Woody Marks and Nick Chubb at running back. Marks led the team with 703 rushing yards, and Chubb added 506 yards. The Texans' run game struggled in their playoff loss, gaining only 48 rushing yards against the New England Patriots.