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Joe Mixon’s NFL journey may have reached its conclusion. While the veteran running back has not officially announced his retirement, multiple reports suggest that he has privately informed former Cincinnati Bengals teammates that his playing career is over. If true, it marks the end of an impressive career that included a Pro Bowl season, a Super Bowl appearance, and years as one of the NFL’s most productive running backs.
Joe Mixon Reportedly Signals the End of His NFL Career
Former Cincinnati Bengals star Joe Mixon has reportedly told several of his former teammates that he does not expect to return to the NFL. NFL reporter Aaron Wilson shared the update during a live video, explaining that Mixon has not yet filed official retirement paperwork.
According to Wilson, Mixon has privately communicated that his football career is over. Although there is still a small possibility of a comeback, those close to the situation believe retirement is the most likely outcome.
The absence of an official announcement means fans are still waiting for confirmation. However, the latest reports strongly indicate that Mixon’s time in professional football has come to an end.
Foot Injury Changed the Course of His Career
The biggest factor behind Mixon’s apparent retirement is a serious foot injury that sidelined him before the 2025 NFL season.
The injury required surgery and prevented the veteran running back from returning to the field. Despite receiving treatment, recovery proved more difficult than expected.
Aaron Wilson noted that the surgery has improved Mixon’s overall quality of life, even if it did not lead to an NFL comeback.
For athletes, foot injuries can be especially devastating because they affect speed, balance, and explosiveness. Running backs depend heavily on these abilities, making full recovery particularly challenging.
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Injury Rumors Finally Addressed
Mixon’s injury became the subject of several rumors over the past year. One of the most widely circulated claims suggested that he accidentally shot himself in the foot.
Aaron Wilson firmly dismissed that story.
He stated that the rumor was completely false and described it as an unfounded urban legend.
Instead, Wilson said one explanation he repeatedly heard was that Mixon may have accidentally dropped a heavy weight on his foot during training. The injury reportedly worsened over time despite treatment and ultimately kept him out for the entire season.
Although the exact details have never been officially confirmed, the false shooting rumor has now been publicly rejected by a respected NFL insider.
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A Memorable Career with the Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Mixon entered the NFL after the Cincinnati Bengals selected him in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft.
He quickly became one of the franchise’s most reliable offensive weapons. Throughout seven seasons with Cincinnati, Mixon consistently produced as both a runner and receiver.
His accomplishments with the Bengals include:
- Multiple 1,000-yard rushing seasons.
- A Pro Bowl selection.
- Key contributions during Cincinnati’s run to Super Bowl LVI.
- More than 6,000 rushing yards with the franchise.
- Dozens of rushing touchdowns that placed him among the team’s top running backs.
Mixon’s physical running style and ability to catch passes out of the backfield made him an important part of the Bengals’ offense for several years.
Final Chapter with the Houston Texans
Following his departure from Cincinnati, Mixon joined the Houston Texans with hopes of extending his career.
Unfortunately, the foot injury prevented him from making the impact many expected.
Instead of building on an already successful career, Mixon spent the season focusing on rehabilitation and recovery. As time passed, hopes of a return gradually faded.
Now, reports suggest that he has accepted the possibility that his NFL playing days are behind him.
Joe Mixon’s Legacy in the NFL
Even if retirement becomes official, Joe Mixon leaves behind an impressive legacy.
He played an important role in restoring the Bengals as AFC contenders and helped the franchise reach one of the biggest moments in its modern history.
Beyond statistics, Mixon earned respect for his toughness and ability to perform in high-pressure situations. His combination of power, vision, and receiving skills made him one of the league’s most complete running backs during his prime.
Fans in Cincinnati and Houston will remember his contributions long after his final game.
Joe Mixon has not formally announced his retirement, but recent reports strongly suggest that his NFL career is effectively over. After battling a serious foot injury and undergoing surgery, the veteran running back appears ready to move on from professional football.
While an official statement could still come in the future, Mixon’s career already stands as one of the more successful running back stories of his generation. His years with the Cincinnati Bengals, Super Bowl appearance, and consistent production ensure that he will be remembered as one of the franchise’s standout offensive players.
