Xavien Howard: Comprehensive Profile

Main Takeaway: Xavien Howard is a five-time Pro Bowler and a former first-team All-Pro cornerback. He’s famous for his ball-hawking skills and his ability to bounce back from injuries. Howard also makes a significant impact both on and off the field.

Early Life and High School Career

Xavien Dwayne Howard was born on July 4, 1993, in Houston, Texas. He grew up in the city’s historic Fifth Ward neighborhood and attended Wheatley High School. Howard stood out as a cornerback and also played quarterback now and then, highlighting his athletic skills. In 2011, he was a senior. He earned All-State honors from the Associated Press as a Class 4A defensive back. He made multiple interceptions and got recognized across the state. He played in the Texas-Louisiana High School All-Star Bayou Bowl. There, he joined future NFL players and showed his talent early on.

College Career at Baylor University

Howard committed to Baylor University. He redshirted in 2012. Then, from 2013 to 2015, he became a key starter.

• **2013 (Freshman):** - Played in 13 games. - Made 5 solo tackles. - Recorded 1 interception. - Forced 1 fumble.
• 2014 (Sophomore): Played all 13 games. Achieved 51 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 13 pass breakups, and 4 interceptions. Honored with an honorable mention in the All-Big 12.
• 2015 (Junior): Made 42 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, and 10 pass breakups. Led the team with 5 interceptions, including a 30-yard return for a touchdown. He was named consensus first-team All-Big 12 by coaches and media outlets.

In three seasons, Howard made 98 tackles. He also had 10 interceptions, 23 pass breakups, and 1.5 sacks. He ranks 10th in career interceptions at Baylor with 10. After his junior year, he declared for the NFL Draft, choosing not to play his senior season.

NFL Draft and Rookie Season (2016)

The Miami Dolphins picked Howard in the second round, 38th overall, of the 2016 NFL Draft. They traded up with the Baltimore Ravens to make this choice. He signed a four-year, $6.12 million contract (with $3.83 million guaranteed and a $2.65 million signing bonus).

Howard started training camp as the No. 2 cornerback. However, he suffered a knee injury that needed arthroscopic surgery. As a result, he missed the rest of camp and the first four regular-season games. Despite the setback, he debuted in Week 5, recording 11 tackles in a Week 1 rematch against the Seahawks. A subsequent meniscus injury in October sidelined him until mid-December. He ended his rookie year with 40 tackles and 6 pass breakups in eight games. He also got his first playoff interception in the Wild Card Round against Pittsburgh on January 8, 2017.

Breakout and First Pro Bowl (2017–2018)

2017 Season

After a healthy offseason, Howard started all 16 games in 2017. He tallied 48 tackles and 1.0 sack. He also had 13 pass breakups and 4 interceptions. His interceptions averaged a 17.8-yard return, totaling 71 yards and a touchdown. He helped Miami secure a 10–6 record and a playoff berth.

2018 Season

In his third year, Howard emerged as one of the NFL’s premier playmakers. He made 35 tackles and had 12 pass breakups. He also led the league with 7 interceptions, tying with Kyle Fuller and Damontae Kazee. His season highlights included back-to-back multi-interception games against Derek Carr and Josh Allen. Despite a late-season knee injury, he earned his first Pro Bowl selection and Second-Team All-Pro honors and was voted No. 55 on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2019.

Contract Extension and Prime Years (2019–2022)

2019: Elite Contract, Early-Season Ejection and Injury

On May 9, 2019, Howard signed a five-year deal for $76.5 million. This made him the highest-paid cornerback in the league at the time. In Week 3 against Dallas, he was thrown out for slapping a receiver’s facemask. A knee injury held him to just five games, where he made 1 interception and 17 tackles. He was eventually placed on injured reserve.

2020: Career-Best Interceptions and First-Team All-Pro

Back to full health, Howard played in all 16 games. He racked up a career-high of 10 interceptions and 20 pass breakups. He led the NFL in interceptions, earning First-Team All-Pro honors and his second Pro Bowl nod. He finished third in the Defensive Player of the Year voting. This shows he is a top ball hawk.

2021–2022: Continued Excellence

Over the next two seasons, Howard remained a fixture in Miami’s secondary:

• - 2021 stats: - 50 tackles - 5 interceptions - 16 pass breakups - 2 forced fumbles - 2 fumble recoveries - Pro Bowl selection
• 2022: 45 tackles, 1 interception, and 12 pass breakups. He forced 2 fumbles, with one being a 16-yard return for a touchdown. This achievement earned him a spot in the Pro Bowl again.

In his first eight seasons with Miami, Howard played in 100 games, starting 99. He made 331 tackles, 95 pass breakups, and 29 interceptions.

Release and Signing with the Indianapolis Colts (2024–2025)

Following the 2023 season, Howard was released by the Dolphins with a post–June 1 designation. He didn’t play during the 2024 season. In August 2025, he came back to work with Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo. They signed a one-year deal. At 32, Howard offers veteran leadership in Indianapolis. He steps in during cornerback injuries and aims to regain his Pro Bowl form.

Playing Style and Impact

Howard’s game is defined by elite ball skills, instincts, and physicality./strong>. He combines smooth hip transitions with aggressiveness in press coverage. His strengths include:

• Interception Prowess: Led the league twice, with 7 interceptions in 2018 and 10 in 2020.
• Pass Defense: Career-high 20 pass breakups in 2020 and 16 in 2021.
• Tackling: Consistent run support, totaling 331 tackles through 2023.

Quarterbacks that throw to his side often get burned. Howard’s keen eye for routes and quick reactions lead to turnovers. His durability was at its best from 2017 to 2022. He started 75 games in a row and held together Miami’s secondary despite several coaching changes.

Personal Life and Off-Field Matters

Howard is a devoted father of four, often sharing family life glimpses on social media. He focused on health and kinesiology. He keeps strong ties to his Houston community by running youth football camps and engaging in charity work.

In June 2024, Howard faced a lawsuit. It accused him of misconduct related to revenge porn from 2022. The case is still pending. Howard denies any wrongdoing as it moves through the legal system.

Legacy and Future Outlook

Xavien Howard’s career includes standout moments, like leading the league in interceptions. He’s been chosen for Pro Bowls and earned All-Pro honors. Yet, he has also faced setbacks, including serious knee injuries. His comeback with the Colts in 2025 will show if he can keep playing at a top level into his 30s. His place as a top cornerback is secure. Also, his guidance will help shape the next generation of defensive backs.

Career NFL Regular Season Totals (2016–2023):

This profile shows Howard’s journey from a star in Fifth Ward to an NFL leader. His time in Indianapolis is a chance to extend his remarkable career.