{"id":184902,"date":"2025-10-02T11:22:09","date_gmt":"2025-10-02T11:22:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/184902\/"},"modified":"2025-10-02T11:22:09","modified_gmt":"2025-10-02T11:22:09","slug":"nfl-star-xavien-howard-retires","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/184902\/","title":{"rendered":"NFL star Xavien Howard retires"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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Four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Xavien Howard abruptly retired from the NFL on Wednesday after struggling through the first four games of the season with the Indianapolis Colts<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Team officials said Howard was placed on the reserve\/retired list after practice Wednesday. The team signed safety Trey Washington to take his place on the 53-man roster.<\/p>\n

Howard released a statement on his Instagram account.<\/p>\n

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\"Xavien <\/p>\n

Indianapolis Colts cornerback Xavien Howard (4) celebrates a turnover against the Miami Dolphins \u00a0at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sept. 7, 2025. (Grace Hollars\/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images)<\/p>\n

“Throughout my career I\u2019ve always played football for the love of the sport. I enjoyed everything that came with being part of the NFL, it was my passion for the game that drove me,” he said. “I love and appreciate the Miami Dolphins<\/a> for drafting me and giving me the chance to play pro football. I cannot thank the Indianapolis Colts enough for letting me continue to live out my dream but my dream has now changed.<\/p>\n

“I\u2019ve been getting closer to God and asking that He directs my path. I am a man of faith and I believe wholeheartedly that He doesn\u2019t make mistakes. He has led me to end my career. I am now putting God and my priorities first.”<\/p>\n

He added that his “purpose has been fulfilled in this sport” and that taking care of his children is the goal for him now.<\/p>\n

\"Puka <\/p>\n

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (12) makes a catch in front of Indianapolis Colts cornerback Xavien Howard (4) during the first hall of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025, in Inglewood, California. (AP Photo\/Marcio Jose Sanchez)<\/p>\n

Howard, 32, joined the Colts after missing the entire 2024 season. He spent the first eight years of his career with the Miami Dolphins. He had 11 tackles and a fumble recovery in the first four games, which included a 33-8 win against his former team in Week 1.<\/p>\n

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However, he struggled since that first game.<\/p>\n

“I knew a team was going to attack me early on in the season. I\u2019ve been off a little minute, so I knew guys want to see if I still can play and stuff like that,” Howard said after his Week 2 game against the Denver Broncos. “And just on this side, just taking accountability of just \u2014 I’ve just got to do my job and work on my technique.”<\/p>\n

In Week 4 against the Los Angeles Rams<\/a>, Howard was a part of a secondary that allowed wide receiver Tutu Atwell to score on an 88-yard touchdown catch. Puka Nacua had 13 catches for 170 yards and a touchdown.<\/p>\n

Howard\u2019s best season came in 2020 when he was a Pro Bowler for the second time in his career. He had 20 pass breakups and 10 interceptions in 16 games.<\/p>\n

\"Xavien <\/p>\n

Miami Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard (25) looks on against the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth quarter at Hard Rock Stadium on Aug. 11, 2023. (Nathan Ray Seebeck\/USA TODAY Sports)<\/p>\n

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He finished his career with 29 career interceptions, 342 tackles and 95 pass breakups.<\/p>\n

The Associated Press contributed to this report.<\/p>\n

Follow Fox News Digital\u2019s\u00a0sports coverage on X<\/a> and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.<\/p>\n