Joe Mixon has told former teammates that he believes his NFL career is over. The report comes from Aaron Wilson of KPRC-2 Houston, who shared the information during a recent livestream.
Wilson said Mixon informed some friends who play for the Cincinnati Bengals that he will not play football again. A source close to Mixon told Wilson there is still some hope of a return, but the career is more likely than not finished. Mixon has not filed official retirement papers.
Mixon last played in the 2024 season with the Houston Texans. He rushed for 1,016 yards and scored 11 touchdowns that year, earning a Pro Bowl selection. He also added 309 receiving yards and one more score.
A foot injury kept Mixon out of the entire 2025 season. The injury required surgery. Wilson noted that Mixon has dealt with blood flow issues in the injured foot and recently underwent another procedure. The Texans released him in March.
Mixon began his career with the Cincinnati Bengals after they selected him in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He spent several seasons in Cincinnati before the team traded him to Houston. Over his career, he has recorded more than 7,400 rushing yards and 60 rushing touchdowns across more than 100 games.
The running back remains a free agent. No teams have signed him since the Texans let him go. The medical condition involving his foot has limited his ability to return to the field.
Wilson described the situation as involving a rare medical issue related to the foot injury. Mixon is currently healthier than he was during the 2025 season, according to the report, but the overall outlook points toward the end of his playing days.