Joe Mixon says his NFL career is over after foot injury

Veteran running back Joe Mixon has told former teammates he believes his NFL career is over, according to a report from Texans reporter Aaron Wilson, who shared the news during a live stream on Tuesday, July 21, 2026. While Mixon has not formally filed retirement paperwork, the development follows a mysterious injury that sidelined him for the entire 2025 season.

Wilson stated that Mixon has communicated his decision directly to former Cincinnati Bengals teammates. A source close to Mixon indicated there remains "some hope" for a potential return, but Wilson assessed the situation as "probably over." The uncertainty stems from a significant foot injury Mixon sustained last offseason, which was described by Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio as a "freak medical situation." Caserio admitted the team was unsure of Mixon's recovery status throughout the year.

The nature of the injury involved blood flow issues in Mixon's foot, a condition that required surgery. Wilson reported that while the procedure did not clear Mixon to play football, it has improved his quality of life. He also directly refuted a bizarre rumor that had circulated, stating emphatically that Mixon did...