Retirement could be right around the corner for former Cincinnati Bengals and Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon.

The prolific offensive talent, despite missing the entire 2025-26 NFL season due to injury, was an intriguing name throughout the course of the free agency period. But unfortunately for teams, the 29-year-old may not be continuing his time in the NFL.

According to NFL insider Aaron Wilson, Mixon has told former teammates that his career in the NFL is over.

“[Mixon] has not filed his retirement papers,” Wilson claimed. “He has told former teammates from the Bengals that his career is over.”

Mixon’s NFL Career

Throughout his time in the NFL, Mixon proved to be one of the top running backs in the league.

The former 2017 second-round pick by the Bengals accumulated 7,428 rushing yards and 60 touchdowns during his eight seasons. When healthy, Mixon established himself as an outstanding bell-cow back. Five of Mixon’s eight seasons resulted in 1,000 or more rushing yards.

After being cut by the Bengals back in 2024, Mixon signed with the Texans in hopes of being the lead back for the organization. The move eventually paid off, as he finished with 1,016 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns.

However, Texans fans were devastated to hear their star running back would miss time in 2025 due to a lingering foot injury. Head coach DeMeco Ryans gave no update on Mixon throughout the entire season. This led to him being cut earlier this offseason by the organization.

In addition to his claims on Mixon, Wilson also stated that there is “some hope” of a potential return.

“I have a source close to [Mixon] tell me recently that there is some hope [of a return], but I think it’s probably over,” Wilson stated. “The good news is that Joe is healthier. He had surgery that I believe helped this offseason as far as just normal life stuff.”

With Mixon officially out of the picture, the Texans will lean on newly-acquired veteran David Montgomery and 2025 fourth-round pick Woody Marks to lead the ground game in 2026.