# Joe Mixon

NFL running back. Position: **RB**. Team: **FA** (free agent; potential retirement).

## Quick Facts

- **Position:** Running Back (RB)
- **Team:** FA (released by Houston Texans on March 6, 2026)
- **Career:** 10 years in NFL
- **Accolades:** Two-time Pro Bowler (2022, 2024)
- **Career stats:** 7,428 rushing yards, 60 touchdowns (7th among active RBs)
- **Age:** 29 heading into 2026 season (turns 30 during July 2026)

## 2026 Outlook

Joe Mixon was a free agent heading into the 2026 offseason after Houston released him on March 6 at his own request. The Texans' acquisition of David Montgomery in a trade signaled the end of Mixon's tenure in Houston. Mixon had one of the best seasons of his career in 2024 with the Texans, rushing for 1,016 yards and 11 touchdowns on 245 carries while adding 36 receptions for 309 yards and another score. He led the team in total touchdowns during both regular season (11) and playoffs (2), establishing himself as the backbone of the offense. He was rated the 12th-best running back in the NFL that season with a 77.6 grade by PFN's RB Impact Score.

However, Mixon's 2025 season was derailed by a non-football-related injury sustained in the offseason. The exact nature of the incident has not been made public, but it involved a blood-flow issue in his foot requiring surgery. Texans GM Nick Caserio described it as a "freak medical situation" and admitted uncertainty about Mixon's recovery timeline.

**July 23 retirement update:** Houston Texans beat reporter Aaron Wilson reported that Mixon has been telling former Cincinnati Bengals teammates that he is "not going to play football anymore." The core issue: blood-flow problems in his foot that proved resistant to treatment. Wilson stated Mixon tried non-surgical options, including electromagnetic therapy, but his foot lacked sufficient circulation to heal properly. "Muscle and bone recover on a schedule, but vascular problems in the foot are the kind of thing that can end a career," Wilson noted. At age 29 turning 30 this week, facing a full lost 2025 season and now dealing with circulatory issues, Mixon appears to be winding down his NFL career. Wilson cautiously noted there remains "some hope," but added "I think it's probably over." Mixon remains unsigned as a free agent, and his inability to find a team willing to take a chance on him despite his Pro Bowl pedigree underscores the severity of the medical situation. (per Joe Mixon's NFL Future Potentially Revealed After Mysterious Injuries Ruined Career).

## Role / Depth Chart

Potential free-agent backup or proof-of-concept signing if healthy enough to play. His career role was primary ball carrier/goal-line back.

## Injury Status

Non-football-related injury from 2025 offseason involving blood-flow issues in his foot (vascular complications). Required surgery. Recovery has not progressed as hoped; Mixon attempted non-surgical management options without success. Exact prognosis unclear, but vascular injuries to the foot are known to be difficult to return from in NFL players and can potentially be career-ending. As of late July 2026, Mixon has reportedly told teammates his playing days are over, though no formal retirement announcement has been made.

## Recent News

- 2026-07-23 — What happened to Joe Mixon? NFL star reportedly retiring after mysterious injury (What happened to Joe Mixon? NFL star reportedly retiring after mysterious injury)
- 2026-07-23 — Joe Mixon's NFL Future Potentially Revealed After Mysterious Injuries Ruined Career (Joe Mixon's NFL Future Potentially Revealed After Mysterious Injuries Ruined Career)


## Open Questions

- Will Joe Mixon formally announce his retirement, or attempt a late-season comeback if a team offers an opportunity?
- Can the blood-flow issue in his foot be resolved, or is it truly career-ending?

## Sources

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Source: https://chatffb.com/players/joe-mixon · ChatFFB — fantasy football answers updated from a live news wiki.