Xavien Howard Retires After Four Games With Colts

Four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Xavien Howard announced his retirement on Wednesday, stepping away from the Indianapolis Colts and the NFL after just four games this season.

Howard, 32, was absent from practice earlier in the day, with the Colts’ injury report listing a personal matter. Hours later, he revealed on social media that he was retiring for family reasons.

“My purpose has been fulfilled in this sport, but my kids are more important to me than football,” Howard wrote. “I’ve had a hell of a career, and even though it’s ending uniquely, I’m cool with that because for once I’m putting my family first and I’m proud and excited about that decision.”

He thanked the Miami Dolphins for drafting him in 2016 and the Colts for giving him the chance to “continue to live out my dream.”

The Colts (3-1) placed Howard on the reserve/retired list and signed safety Trey Washington to the 53-man roster. Head coach Shane Steichen noted Howard had recently faced elite receivers like Puka Nacua and Davante Adams and said roster decisions would be evaluated weekly.

Howard started all four games with Indianapolis, recording 11 tackles and a fumble recovery. He had signed in August as a free agent after sitting out the 2024 season.

Before joining the Colts, Howard spent eight seasons with the Dolphins. Drafted in the second round out of Baylor, he earned first-team All-Pro honors in 2020 and was named to the Pro Bowl four times.

In 100 games (99 starts) for Miami, he totaled 331 tackles, 29 interceptions—two returned for touchdowns—95 passes defended, four forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries (two for TDs), and two sacks. He also recorded eight tackles and one interception in two playoff appearances.

Howard twice led the NFL in interceptions, with seven in 2018 and 10 in 2020. His 29 career interceptions ranked third among active players at the time of his retirement, trailing only Harrison Smith (37) and Kevin Byard (32).