Joe Mixon, the skilled running back currently showcasing his talents with the Houston Texans, has built a dynamic career characterized by a series of remarkable performances along with notable controversies. His journey through the league has been far from ordinary, catching the eyes of fans and others alike. Here are five interesting facts about Mixon that many might not know.
5. A Talented Multi-Sport Athlete
Before making a name for himself in football, Mixon was an accomplished athlete in high school. He played both football and basketball at Freedom High School in Oakley, California. In football, he was a standout running back, rushing for over 1,700 yards and scoring 23 touchdowns in his senior year alone. He averaged 12.2 points in basketball, showing his versatility and athleticism across different sports.
4. Drafted Amid Controversy
The Cincinnati Bengals selected Joe Mixon in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft, but his assault on a woman in 2014, which resulted in her hospitalization and a misdemeanor charge, overshadowed his draft journey. The incident led many teams to remove him from their draft boards due to character concerns, even though some scouts viewed him as a first-round talent.
3. A Record-Setting Performer
Throughout his NFL career, Mixon has consistently demonstrated his abilities as a leading running back. He has rushed for over 1,000 yards in four different seasons and has been a crucial part of the Bengals’ offense, particularly during their Super Bowl run in the 2021 season, where he rushed for 1,205 yards and scored 13 touchdowns. His performance has often been underappreciated compared to his teammates like Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase.
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2. Recent Legal Challenges
Joe Mixon’s life off the field has remained complicated. In early 2023, police issued a warrant for aggravated menacing after he allegedly pointed a firearm at a woman and threatened her. A court later acquitted him of these charges that year. Additionally, police found an injured child at his home; though authorities did not charge Mixon, this incident intensified public scrutiny surrounding him.
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1. A New Chapter with the Texans
Mixon’s 2024 season with the Houston Texans has been all about skill and consistency, as he stands out as one of the top rushers in the NFL. After the Bengals traded Mixon to the Texans, he quickly became an essential part of their offense.
Over five games in the 2024-2025 NFL season, he’s collected 503 rushing yards on 102 carries, averaging 4.9 yards per attempt—placing him 12th in the league for total rushing yards. His impact isn’t just about yards; Mixon has also scored five rushing touchdowns this season, tying him for 10th place. In Week 1, he made a big impact with 158 rushing yards against the Indianapolis Colts, setting a powerful tone for the season.
Since then, Mixon has kept up his performance, gaining over 100 rushing yards in almost every game. The only exception came in Week 2 against the Chicago Bears, where he had only nine carries for 25 yards in a close 19-13 win. Despite this, his steady play has remained a standout, with his latest game against the Colts in Week 8 adding another 102 rushing yards. Joe Mixon’s effectiveness also extends to the receiving game, with 115 receiving yards and one touchdown over 14 receptions, showing that he’s a balanced and valuable player for the Texans.
Also Read: New Report Exposes The Packers & Bengals For Totally Screwing RBs Joe Mixon & Aaron Jones