“Eternal Influence!”: Joe Mixon Bids Bengals Farewell Following Texans Trade
Before leaving for the Houston Texans, Joe Mixon bids adieu to the city of Cincinnati.
As the new starting tailback for the Houston Texans, Joe Mixon is prepared to punch his way into the end zone, but not before bidding farewell to Who Dey Nation.
After spending seven years with the Cincinnati Bengals, Mixon was moved to Houston on Tuesday afternoon. He thanked the city and the AFC North supporters on social media for treating him like a local.
“Over the past seven years in Cincinnati, I’ve formed a ton of relationships and friendships that will last a lifetime. “Winning football games and returning with a championship ring was all I ever wanted to accomplish for Cincinnati,” Mixon wrote.
After being selected in the 2017 draft out of Oklahoma, Mixon became one of the best backs in the game and kept the team moving forward as it went from being an AFC basement dweller to a conference contender. Along with Joe Burrow, Tee Higgins, Logan Wilson, Trey Henderickson, and Ja’Marr Chase, Mixon, 27, was perhaps the first of the youthful corps to join “The Jungle” on his way to capturing the conference title in 2021.
Mixon was a reliable chain mover who, during his stint with Cincinnati, four times gained more than 1,000 yards from the line. In total, he scored 62 touchdowns and averaged 4.1 yards per touch. His best season occurred in 2021, when he carried the Bengals to their first Super Bowl since 1989, rushing for 1,205 yards and 13 touchdowns.
“Reviving the city and its supporters in the past several years is an unparalleled emotion. The support of the true supporters never faltered,” Mixon remarked.
Mixon also expressed gratitude to the supporters for believing in him as the starting quarterback despite his inexperience as a Big 12 tailback. Mixon ran for 1,274 yards in 2016 to earn All-Conference accolades while attending Oklahoma.
“You took a chance on a 20 year kid and made me feel loved since day one,” Mixon said. It’s difficult for me to express how much I value this location and the people here. I’m grateful that you enabled me to fulfill my ambition. I will always consider Cincinnati to be my home. 28 are out.”
Following the Bengals’ two-year contract agreement with Indianapolis Colt running back Zach Moss on Monday night, Mixon was anticipated to be released from Cincinnati. After losing out on a number of running backs in the free agent class, Houston was unable to pay Mixon’s asking price and secure a long-term contract.
After a strong season, the Texans attempted to re-sign Devin Singletary, the starting running back, but he chose to accept a three-year, $16.5 million contract with the New York Giants. In terms of running yards and rushing touchdowns, the Texans placed 23rd in the NFL in 2023.
As an improvement over the alternatives from the previous season, Mixon joins a talented offensive line that is led by Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud. He had a fantastic season in 2023, totaling 1,034 yards and nine touchdowns. Along with 376 receiving yards and three touchdowns, he also grabbed 52 passes.
The 27-year-old is presently in the last year of his deal; he has a roster bonus scheduled for March 18 and is owed $5.75 million in 2024. He will share carries with 2022 rookie Dameon Pierce, who had a difficult time regaining consistency after a strong debut campaign.
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