Colts CB Xavien Howard retires four games into season, says he wants to prioritize his family
Indianapolis Colts cornerback Xavien Howard is retiring.
The news came three days after he played 66 defensive snaps in a Week 4 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Howard, 32, started all four games this season for the 3-1 Colts.
The four-time Pro Bowler and two-time NFL interceptions leader joined Indianapolis in August, reportedly on a one-year deal worth up to $5 million. Howard, who didn't play for a team in 2024, spent the first eight seasons of his career with the Miami Dolphins, with whom he became a two-time All-Pro.
"Throughout my career, I've always played football for the love of the sport," Howard wrote in a note he posted to Instagram Wednesday night. "I enjoyed everything that came with being part of the NFL, it was my passion for the game that drove me. I love and appreciate the Miami Dolphins 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.
"I've 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't make mistakes. He has led me to ending my career. I am now putting God and my priorities first."
Howard continued: "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. 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 than 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'm putting my family first, and I'm proud and excited about that decision."
Howard piled up 11 total tackles in his brief run with the Colts. He recovered a fumble in a season-opening, blowout win over his old team, the Dolphins.
But he struggled mightily last week against the Rams, allowing seven catches for 112 yards and a touchdown in a 27-20 defeat, according to Pro Football Focus.
Puka Nacua gave Howard a particularly hard time. The third-year Rams wideout caught five of his six targets against the veteran corner for 71 yards, four first downs and a game-tying touchdown in the fourth quarter, per PFF.
Howard also had a rough performance in Week 2 when he allowed eight receptions on eight targets for 78 yards and two touchdowns against the Denver Broncos, according to PFF, which has him down for 16 catches allowed on 22 total targets this season. Howard's 72.7% reception percentage allowed in 2025 was a single-season career high, and it currently ranks tied for 53rd best among all NFL cornerbacks with at least 100 coverage snaps this year, according to PFF.
That said, Howard allowed only five combined receiving yards against the Dolphins and Tennessee Titans.
The Colts brought Howard aboard after experiencing a string of injuries at the cornerback position. Howard came in and earned a starting role alongside fellow corners Charvarius Ward and Kenny Moore II.
Although he didn't intercept a pass in his four games with the Colts, he finished his career with 29 picks. He led the league in 2018 with seven interceptions and in 2020 with 10 more.
In addition to Howard's move to the reserve/retired list, the Colts also announced Wednesday that they have signed safety Trey Washington to the 53-man roster from their practice squad.