Xavien Howard retires, Colts place him on reserve/retired list

Xavien Howard, a four-time Pro Bowl cornerback, announced his retirement from the NFL on Wednesday, and the Indianapolis Colts placed him on the reserve/retired list. Howard, 32, informed the team after starting four games this season following a one-year comeback contract signed in mid-August. In a statement, he said time away from football in 2024 reshaped his priorities. "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," he said. "I'm no longer willing to do so. So today I am retiring from the National Football League."

Howard returned to the field this season after not playing in 2024, but struggled at times. In Indianapolis's Week 4 loss to the Los Angeles Rams he allowed seven completions on 10 targets when he was the closest defender, yielding 112 yards and a touchdown, according to Next Gen Stats. Across four games he surrendered 14 completions on 20 attempts for 183 yards and two touchdowns and was flagged four times. Through that span opposing quarterbacks completed 66.7 percent of passes when targeting him, producing a passer rating above 120.

The Colts moved quickly to adjust...