Indianapolis Colts' cornerback Xavien Howard retires

INDIANAPOLIS - Xavien Howard's attempt to restart a decorated career lasted four games.




The Indianapolis Colts placed the veteran cornerback on the reserve/retired list Wednesday. Howard didn't practice earlier in the day because of a "personal matter.''




That apparently was Howard determining he no longer possessed the required passion or was the player who had 29 interceptions and was a two-time All-Pro during an eight-year career with the Miami Dolphins.




On social media, Howard posted his "passion for the game'' always drove him on the field and was motivation for chasing his dream, first with the Dolphins and finally with the Colts, who signed him to a one-year contract in August.




"But my dream has now changed,'' he posted. "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 added he had put football ahead of his family until missing the 2024 season.




"I am no longer willing to do so,'' he said. "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 family first and excited about that decision.''




Howard, 32, signed a one-year contract with the Colts Aug. 18 worth a maximum of $5 million. He didn't play in 2024 after suffering a Lisfranc injury with Miami in '23.




Howard's decision comes three days after he endured a long afternoon in the Colts' 27-20 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, and after four subpar starts.




Sunday, Howard was assigned Puka Nacua, and the Rams' standout wideout finished with 13 catches for a career-high 170 yards and one touchdown.




Opposing quarterbacks had posted a 139.2 rating in four games when targeting Howard, according to Pro Football Focus: 16-of-22, 195 yards, three TDs. He also has been penalized four times.




PFF had him with an overall grade of 34.2, last among the 102 qualifying cornerbacks.




After those four ineffective starts, it was fair to wonder if coordinator Lou Anarumo would replace Howard in the starting lineup for Sunday's meeting with the Las Vegas Raiders.




"We will evaluate everybody every game,'' Anarumo said Tuesday. "Certainly, X is a player on the team, so he's certainly going to get evaluated.




"It's not just one guy. Everybody can always finish maybe better here or there.''




Anarumo was one of the main reasons Howard signed with the Colts. He worked out with Indy before finalizing a contract.




"I've been in touch with them for a little minute because me and coach Lou have a great relationship,'' Howard said in late August.




Howard and Anarumo were together in Miami in 2016-17.




"I've been in contact with him,'' Howard said. "I got the call and I was ready to come.''




He had been working out for when the opportunity to return to the NFL presented itself.




"This is the NFL,'' Howard said. "I got the point, older in my career. It's kind of hard to get back in the league, especially having time off.




I just had to stay in shape, stay ready and hopefully get the call one day and I took advantage of it.''




Until Wednesday.




Howard's departure probably leads to Mekhi Blackmon or rookie Johnathan Edwards stepping into the starting lineup opposite Charvarius Ward.




Jaylon Jones remains on the injured reserve list with a hamstring injury while Kenny Moore II is dealing with an Achilles injury.




You can follow Mike Chappell on Twitter at @mchappell51.





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