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Colts CB Xavien Howard Hangs Up His Cleats, Citing Family and Faith After Short Comeback
Just when you thought you had a handle on the NFL season, BAM! A surprise retirement hits. Veteran cornerback Xavien Howard, who the Indianapolis Colts just signed this year, has decided to call it quits. This news comes just a day after the Colts’ defensive coordinator, Lou Anarumo, publicly backed Howard, saying he still believed in the guy despite some recent struggles. Talk about a plot twist!
The Colts officially placed the 32-year-old Howard on the reserve/retired list on Wednesday. It’s a move that’s definitely got people talking, and raises questions on how the Colts will move forward.
Howard didn’t leave fans hanging. Shortly after the announcement, he took to Instagram to explain his decision. It’s a heartfelt message that really puts things into perspective.
"Throughout my career I’ve always played football for the love of the sport," Howard wrote. "I enjoyed everything that came with being part of the NFL, it was my passion for the game that drove me. I love and appreciate the Miami Dolphins for drafting me and giving me the chance to play pro football. I cannot thank the Indianapolis Colts enough for letting me continue to live out my dream but my dream has now changed."
He continued, diving into the deeper reasons behind his choice: "I’ve been getting closer to God and asking that He directs my path. I am a man of faith and I believe wholeheartedly that He doesn’t make mistakes. He has led me to ending my career. I am now putting God and my priorities first."
It seems like a major shift in priorities for Howard, who, by his own admission, has been re-evaluating what’s truly important.
"When I was away from the game in 2024, I fell in love with taking my kids to school, doing activities with them and watching them grow up. Up to that point I had always put my family after football. I’m no longer willing to do so. So today I am retiring from the National Football League," Howard explained.
"My purpose has been fulfilled in this sport, but my kids are more important to me than football. 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."
You’ve got to respect a guy who’s willing to walk away from the game to focus on what matters most to him. It’s a reminder that there’s more to life than just the gridiron.
A Look Back at Howard’s Career
Howard made his name with the Miami Dolphins, spending eight seasons there and racking up some serious accolades. We’re talking four Pro Bowl selections and two All-Pro honors (one first-team, one second-team). He was a force to be reckoned with. After sitting out the 2024 season, he made a comeback with the Colts in 2025, slotting into Lou Anarumo’s defensive scheme and quickly earning a starting role.
The On-Field Struggles
Now, let’s be real. While Howard’s return was initially promising, things haven’t exactly been smooth sailing lately. In recent weeks, opposing teams have been targeting him, and the results haven’t been pretty. According to Next Gen Stats, when Howard was the nearest defender, opposing quarterbacks completed 70% of their passes for a passer rating of 131.9. Ouch.
Those targets translated into 183 yards and two touchdowns. His targeted EPA (expected points added) was the fifth-worst among all cornerbacks in the league, sitting at a not-so-glamorous 14.3.
The Colts’ recent loss to the Los Angeles Rams really highlighted these struggles. Matthew Stafford went after Howard 10 times, completing seven passes for 112 yards and a touchdown. It’s the kind of performance that can make a player question things.
Despite Anarumo’s insistence that the Colts’ defensive issues weren’t solely Howard’s fault, it seems like that Week 4 game was the final straw for the veteran cornerback.
What’s Next for the Colts?
Howard’s retirement leaves a hole in the Colts’ defense, and they’ll need to find someone to step up. Potential replacements include Mekhi Blackmon and Johnathan Edwards. It’ll be interesting to see who rises to the occasion.
Howard leaves the game with a solid legacy: 104 regular-season games played, 342 tackles, 95 passes defended, and 29 interceptions (including a league-leading 10 in 2020). He also forced four fumbles and recorded two sacks.
While his time with the Colts was short, Xavien Howard’s decision serves as a reminder that life is about more than just football. Sometimes, the most important victories happen off the field. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors!
