Former Miami Dolphins great, cornerback Xavien Howard, announced his abrupt retirement from the National Football League today. In a social media post, the 32-year-old claimed the move was related to his desire to spend more time with his kids.
Howard was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the second-round (38th overall) of the 2016 NFL Draft after playing three years of college football for the Baylor Bears. After playing in just seven games during his rookie season, Howard exploded onto the scene during his sophomore campaign — bringing in four interceptions and returning one for a pick-six touchdown.
The following year, he would reel in 7 total interceptions while playing in just 12 games. Two of his interceptions that season came against Tom Brady of the New England Patriots — picking off the future member of the Hall of Fame twice during one Monday Night Football game in early December.
2020 was Howard’s best statistical year as he brought down a total of 10 interceptions and was named as a First-Team All-Pro.
Miami would cut Howard following the 2023 season after he spent 8 years with the franchise — earning a Pro Bowl nod in four of those seasons.
He would sit out the entire 2024 season before returning to the NFL in 2025 after signing with the Indianapolis Colts. Howard played just four games for the Colts — not recording a single interception — before announcing his retirement today.
Xavien Howard finishes his illustrious career with 29 interceptions — the most by a cornerback and third most overall since he joined the league in 2016 — four forced fumbles, six fumble recoveries, and four defensive touchdowns (two pick sixes and two fumble recovery scores).
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