Xavien Howard abruptly retires from NFL after just four games with Colts

Former four-time Pro Bowler Xavien Howard has retired from the NFL.

The Colts announced Wednesday that they put the one-time All-Pro on the reserve/retired list following a tough performance during a loss to the Rams on Sunday. 

Howard, 32, played nine years in the NFL and spent eight seasons with the Dolphins before joining the Colts as a free agent in August after not playing in 2024. 

He went on to start the first four games of the season for Indianapolis, recording 11 tackles and one fumble recovery.

“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,” Howard wrote in a farewell post on Instagram.

“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 then 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 am putting my family first and I’m proud about that decision.”  

Howard struggled severely against the Rams while matching up against star receiver Puka Nacua. 

Next Gen Stats indicated that Howard gave up seven completions on 10 attempts for 112 yards and a touchdown. According to Pro Football Focus, Howard ranked 156th out of 164 corners this year.

Howard said after the loss that he had “not [played] to my ability.” 

Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo defended Howard earlier in the week, pointing out that Indy’s entire defense needs to be better. 

“The combination of all of it,” Anarumo said of the defense, per the Indy Star. “You’re playing against an elite passing game with two elite receivers and a quarterback, and at some point, rust or no rust, we’ve got to make sure we’re out there and guarding the guys we’re tasked to guard. We’ve all got to do a better job. Not just X, but me.”’

Howard previously led the NFL in interceptions in 2018 (seven) and with 10 in 2020, a year he also led the league in passes defended (20). 

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Howard was taken 38th overall by the Dolphins in the 2016 NFL draft and grabbed 29 interceptions with 342 tackles across his career.

Without Howard, the Colts (3-1) take on the Raiders (1-3) at home in Week 5.