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Four-time Pro Bowl Cornerback Xavia Howard suddenly withdrew from the NFL on Wednesday after struggling through the first four games of the season with the Indianapolis Colts.
Hold officials said Howard was placed on the reserve/retired list after exercise on Wednesday. The team signed Safety Trey Washington to take its place on the 53-man list.
Howard released a statement on his Instagram account.
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Indianapolis Colts Cornerback Xavien Howard (4) celebrates a turnover against Miami Dolphins at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 7, 2025. (Grace Hollars/USA Today Network via Imag images)
“Throughout my career, I’ve 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 Miami Dolphins for drafting me and giving me the chance to play pro football. I can’t thank Indianapolis Colts enough for letting me continue to live out of my dream but my dream has now changed.
“I have been closer to God and prayed that he leads my way. I am a man of faith and I think wholeheartedly he is not making mistakes. He has led me to end my career. I now put God and my priorities first.”
He added that his “purpose is fulfilled in this sport” and that taking care of his children is the goal for him now.
Los Angeles Rams Brede receives Puka Nacua (12) catches a catch in front of the Indianapolis Colts Cornerback Xavien Howard (4) during the first hall in an NFL football match on Sunday 28 September 2025 in Inglewood, California. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Howard, 32, joined the Colts after missing all season 2024. He spent the first eight years of his career with Miami Dolphins. He had 11 tackles and a fumbling improvement in the first four matches, which included a 33-8 win against his previous team in week 1.
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However, he fought since the first game.
“I knew a team was going to attack me early in the season. I’ve been out of a minute, so I knew guys would see if I can still play and the like,” Howard said after his week 2 match against Denver Broncos. “And just on this site, just taking responsibility for just – I just have to do my job and work on my technique.”
In week 4 against Los Angeles Rams, Howard was part of a secondary that enabled the broad recipient Tutu Atwell to score on an 88-yard touchdown capture. Puka Nacua had 13 catches in 170 yards and a touchdown.
Howard’s best season came in 2020 when he was a pro bowler for the second time in his career. He had 20 passport -breakups and 10 interceptions in 16 games.
Miami Dolphins Cornerback Xavien Howard (25) looks at Atlanta Falcons in the fourth quarter at Hard Rock Stadium on August 11, 2023. (Nathan Ray Seebeck/USA Today Sports)
He completed his career with 29 career upsets, 342 tackles and 95 passport breakups.
