INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — On Wednesday evening, the Indianapolis Colts announced that they placed cornerback Xavien Howard on the Reserve/Retired list.
Howard then took to social media to announce his retirement himself, releasing a statement along with it:
Howard posted on Instagram:
"Throughout my career I’ve always played football for the love of the sport. I enjoyed everything that came with being apart 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.
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.
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.
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."
The Colts signed the 32-year-old Howard in August as a free agent to a one-year, $2.785 million contract following injuries in the secondary to Justin Walley, Jaylon Jones, and JuJu Brents. Howard was released by the Miami Dolphins following the 2023 season and was out of football in 2024.
Having played for Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo for the first two years of his career while the pair were with the Miami Dolphins, Howard picked up the new system quickly and became a starter for the Colts for the first four games of the season.
Unfortunately, Howard's game never quite got off the ground.
In Week 2 against the Denver Broncos, Howard gave up 78 yards and a pair of touchdowns on eight targets and was penalized three times. He was only targeted twice the following week, but was called for another penalty.
Last week in a one-score loss to the Los Angeles Rams is when things hit rock bottom.
Rams star receiver Puka Nacua caught 13 of the 15 balls thrown his way for a career-high 170 yards and the game-tying touchdown late in the fourth quarter. Howard was in coverage on that touchdown, just as he was on the 25-yard catch by Rams receiver Davante Adams earlier in the drive that helped the Rams get comfortably into Indianapolis territory.
According to Pro Football Focus, Howard was actually in coverage for much of Los Angeles' successes last Sunday, surrendering seven catches on 10 targets, resulting in 112 yards, a touchdown, and six first downs.
For the season, PFF ranks Howard No. 112 out of 113 cornerbacks in the NFL with a grade of 36.1. He has allowed the 13th-highest passer rating (139.2) in the NFL and allowed 72.7% pass completions.
Whether the Colts make any external moves to replace Howard remains to be seen, but for now, count on in-house options Mekhi Blackmon and Johnathan Edwards to pick up the slack.
Jake Arthur has been covering the Indianapolis Colts for over a dozen years and is a member of the PFWA. He's one half of the Locked On Colts podcast and has worked for the Colts' official website, On SI, and more. You can follow him on X @JakeArthurNFL.
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