Sports

Xavien Howard Family: All On Colts CB’s Children Who Inspired His Retirement

By Yuvraj Tyagi

Copyright timesnownews

Xavien Howard Family: All On Colts CB's Children Who Inspired His Retirement

Veteran cornerback Xavien Howard has retired from the NFL after nine seasons, saying that his children and faith now come before football. The announcement came on October 1, when Howard issued a statement carried by Omar Kelly of the Miami Herald. “Throughout my career I’ve always played football for the love of the sport … My purpose has been fulfilled in this sport, but my kids are more important to me than football,” Howard said. The 32-year-old joined the Indianapolis Colts in August 2025 and started all four games before his decision. According to NBC Sports, he walked away from the remainder of a one-year, $1.255 million contract. Howard had previously played for the Miami Dolphins, who selected him in the second round of the 2016 draft, and with whom he earned four Pro Bowl nods and one First-Team All-Pro selection. Faith, Family, and a New Chapter Howard explained that his decision was shaped by his deepening faith and his rediscovery of family life. He told the Miami Herald that when he was away from football in 2024, he cherished taking his children to school, spending time with them, and being present in their growth. He admitted that for much of his career, he had placed football above his family, but said he is no longer willing to make that sacrifice. The cornerback is the father of four children, and media outlets such as Essentially Sports have noted how often he references them as his driving motivation. His parents, Freddy Arroila and Luckcher Howard, were also supportive figures in his journey from Wheatley High School in Houston, Texas, to the NFL. Career Highs and Public Challenges Howard’s career was decorated with standout achievements. He twice led the NFL in interceptions and finished third in the 2020 Defensive Player of the Year voting, according to Pro Football Reference. He became known as one of the league’s most skilled ball-hawks, with 29 career interceptions. However, his public image was also tested. In 2024, ESPN reported that he faced a lawsuit alleging he had shared explicit material in a family-related dispute, a claim he denied. The Associated Press also highlighted controversy surrounding the case, though no resolution has been publicly confirmed. Despite those challenges, his exit reflects a man at peace. In his words to the Miami Herald, “I’ve had a hell of a career … but for once I’m putting my family first and I’m proud and excited about that decision.”