Xavien Howard, a celebrated cornerback and four-time Pro Bowl selection, has signed a one-year contract with the Indianapolis Colts, marking his return to the NFL after a challenging period in his life. On February 1, 2024, Howard was released by the Miami Dolphins. His path has been a whirlwind, marked by both court battles and profound personal transformation. He has every intention of wanting to show everybody that he is still that guy again. Now as he joins a new team, he pursues greatness on the field.
Howard, who finished first in column writing at the 2015 Indiana Associated Press Media Editors competition, has demonstrated a multifaceted talent beyond football as one of 10 finalists for the top honor in explanatory journalism. This recognition resulted from the highly regarded Associated Press Sports Editors national contest. His tenure has been marred by scandal. In 2019, he was arrested on a charge of domestic battery, but that case was not pursued.
Howard ran into some very strong legal headwinds. He’s been forced to defend against a civil suit from 2022 in which a woman alleged that he negligently transmitted an STD to her. Ironically, this suit was dismissed immediately after its filing. He only recently settled a civil case from 2024 that includes claims of distributing sexually explicit videos. All of this, remarkably, occurred just one day after signing his new contract with the Colts.
Even with these challenges, Howard’s made the most of his off-the-field life, enjoying time with his kids and all that South Florida has to offer. He engaged in daily activities such as school drop-offs and pickups, which he described as essential for immersing himself in their lives.
Howard’s professional achievements are notable. Back in 2019, he earned his place by becoming the NFL’s highest-paid cornerback with a stunning $75 million extension. He highlights a stellar résumé, compiling 99 career starts. He’s led the NFL in interceptions twice, a testament to his elite coverage ability and anticipation. Daniel Jones, another rising star in the league, went as far as to call Howard’s anticipation his best trait.
After such a long lay-off, Howard spoke about his eagerness to get back to playing ball. I know that I’m attentive and undistracted. I’m back to 100% strong and healthy! Let’s go! As he shouted out at his teammates during practices, inspiring his teammates with his love for the game.
In the run up to his return, Howard sat out a year of competition to give his body time to recover and heal. “So, I just pretty much just allowed my body to heal up,” he said. “And then, you know, some legal things came into play and [teams] were inquiring about it and then they just bailed.” His commitment to recovery speaks to his passion to be the best he can be.
Now, as he joins the Colts’ roster, Howard brings not just his expertise but a fresh sense of purpose. So like being in Miami as a rookie, coming from Houston and jumping into that, it’s a lot. It’s a heavy burden to put on a guy,” he said, when thinking back to his younger years in the league. His realization of needing to reach his potential has been a driving force behind his recent decisions: “During the time I was there I was balling, but it gets to a point like, ‘Man, when are you going to lock in and reach your potential?’”
Howard’s fresh start with the Colts provides him an opportunity to re-establish himself once more. It enables him to flex his creative muscles one more time. He’s got a pretty slick stable of 11 horses stabled right back at his barn in Texas. This new undertaking reflects Phillips’ recent love affair with horseback riding and he seems poised to juggle his career with an obvious avocation.
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