Houston, Texas – January 22, 2026 – Joe Mixon, one of the NFL’s top running backs, has sent shockwaves through the league by submitting a request to leave the Houston Texans before the team could officially cut him. Despite having a $20 million contract and being a cornerstone of the Texans’ offense, Mixon decided to part ways with the team after a difficult season. This move not only caught the NFL by surprise but also came with a brief but emotional message Mixon sent to DeMeco Ryans, the Texans’ head coach.

Mixon, who joined the Texans in 2024, quickly became a key player in their offense. In his first season, he rushed for 1,016 yards and scored 11 touchdowns, proving himself as an essential part of the team. Mixon was crucial in helping Texans rank 15th in rushing yards in 2024, a solid performance in his debut season. Due to these performances, he earned a two-year, $20 million deal, reflecting his value to the team. However, his journey with Texans took a turn in 2025.

After a challenging 2025 season where Mixon couldn’t play due to injuries and personal issues, he decided to leave the team. Instead of waiting for the official termination from Texans, Mixon made the decision to step away and pursue other opportunities. “You know, Houston is where I got everything in football. I love the team, the people here, the culture, and the fans… It’s really hard to make this decision, but it’s the best path for both me and the team. I’ll always carry the memories of my time here, no matter where I go next.” Mixon shared in his statement.

What really stunned the NFL, however, was the brief but emotional message Mixon sent to DeMeco Ryans. Just 8 words, but they conveyed a deep sense of gratitude and respect: “Thank you, coach, for everything. I’ll miss everyone.”

This short message wasn’t just a sign of respect for Ryans, but it also reflected the difficulty Mixon had in making the decision to leave. It showed the strong bond between the coach and the player, even as Mixon knew it was time to move on. Despite his departure, Mixon made it clear that his feelings for Texans and Ryans would always remain positive and filled with respect.

DeMeco Ryans, the head coach of the Texans, expressed regret over Mixon’s absence from the team, acknowledging how much he was missed. “Joe was a great player for us. Not having him clearly affected our running game. Joe is one of the top running backs in this league.” Ryans admitted. However, Mixon’s decision to leave still shocked the NFL, as many people now better understand the struggles he faced during his time in Houston.

In 2025, Mixon faced a challenging year. Due to injuries, he was unable to contribute to the team as expected. Even though he had been a cornerstone of the Texans offense, his absence left a gap in the team’s running game. Yet, Mixon remained determined, despite the personal challenges he faced.

With his decision to leave Texans, Mixon is now a free agent and is actively looking for new opportunities with other teams. Teams like the Las Vegas Raiders, Tennessee Titans, and New York Giants could potentially target him in this offseason. With his proven talent, Mixon remains an attractive option for teams in need of a veteran running back who can lead their offensive unit.

Once Mixon sent his message and made his decision to leave, the NFL community reacted strongly. Many fans and analysts praised Mixon for his bravery and resilience, while some others felt disappointed by his inability to fulfill his duties with the Texans.

Joe Mixon’s decision to leave Texans may have been a difficult one, but it marks a bold step in his career. While many will miss seeing him play in Houston, this decision gives him the chance to find a fresh start with another team. With the fond memories of his time with Texans, Mixon will always remember the team and the teammates who stood by him.