Indianapolis Colts cornerback and four-time NFL Pro Bowl selectee Xavien Howard has retired from the NFL four games into the season, he announced Wednesday.
Howard, 32, is in his first season in Indianapolis after signing with the Colts in August. He played his first eight seasons with the Miami Dolphins, where he earned his four Pro Bowls and one All-Pro selection. However, he missed the entire 2024 season while recovering from a Lisfranc foot injury.
“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,” Howard wrote in an Instagram post announcing his retirement. “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 started each of the Colts’ first four games this season, recording 11 tackles and one fumble recovery while helping lead Indy to a 3-1 start.
Howard’s retirement also comes after he “has looked like the prime target for the opposing quarterback in two of the last three games,” the Indy Star writes. In the Colts’ loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Howard allowed Rams’ star receiver Puka Nacua to record seven catches for 112 yards and one touchdown, according to Next Gen Stats. For the season, Howard has allowed 14 catches on 20 attempts thrown his way, allowing 183 yards and two touchdowns while committing four penalties.
After Sunday’s game, Howard described his play this season as “not to my ability.”
In nine NFL seasons with the Dolphins and Colts, Howard recorded 342 tackles, 29 interceptions, 95 pass deflections, six fumble recoveries, four forced fumbles and two sacks in 104 games.
In his retirement post, Howard thanked the Colts “for letting me continue to live out my dream, but my dream has now changed.
“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,” he added.
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