Xavien Howard

Xavien Howard Biography

Xavien Howard is a renowned American professional football cornerback currently playing for the Indianapolis Colts in the National Football League (NFL). He rose to fame with his exceptional skills in defensive coverage, intercepting passes, and shutting down some of the best wide receivers in the league. Howard's reputation was built during his tenure with the Miami Dolphins, where he became one of the league’s top cornerbacks, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections and All-Pro honors. His ability to read the quarterback and create turnovers has made him one of the most feared defensive backs in the NFL.

Childhood

Xavien Howard was born on July 4, 1993, in Houston, Texas. He grew up in the Fifth Ward neighborhood of Houston, known for its rich culture and strong community spirit. During his formative years, Howard attended Wheatley High School, where his talent on the football field began to take shape. At Wheatley, he was a standout player and was even teammates with future NFL cornerback William Jackson III. The support of his family and his environment laid the foundation for his athletic and personal development.

Education

Howard pursued higher education and collegiate football at Baylor University. At Baylor, he played for the Baylor Bears football team from 2012 to 2015. Throughout his college career, Howard demonstrated his defensive prowess by accumulating impressive statistics, including tackles, interceptions, and pass breakups. He majored in health and kinesiology, balancing his academic responsibilities with rigorous football training. His college performance garnered attention from NFL scouts, leading him to declare for the NFL draft after his junior year.

Career

Xavien Howard entered the NFL when the Miami Dolphins selected him in the second round, 38th overall, of the 2016 NFL draft. He signed a four-year contract and quickly established himself as a starting cornerback. Despite facing early setbacks due to knee injuries, Howard emerged as a defensive stalwart. Over eight seasons with the Dolphins, he was selected to the Pro Bowl four times and earned two All-Pro team honors. Notably, Howard led the NFL in interceptions twice, cementing his status as a top-tier defensive player. In 2019, he signed a lucrative five-year contract extension, becoming one of the highest-paid cornerbacks in the league. In 2024, Howard joined the Indianapolis Colts, continuing his professional career.

Family Life

Off the field, Xavien Howard values family deeply. He grew up in a supportive household and continues to prioritize family in his adult life. Howard is a father to four children – three daughters and a son – and maintains close relationships with them. Though details about his personal relationships and partners are kept relatively private, his social media accounts often reflect glimpses of his family life, showing his dedication and love for his children.

Achievements

Xavien Howard’s football accomplishments are noteworthy. He is a four-time NFL Pro Bowl selectee and has earned two All-Pro honors in recognition of his elite defensive capabilities. Leading the league in interceptions twice is a remarkable feat that highlights his exceptional ball-hawking skills. Beyond individual accolades, Howard played a key role in boosting the defensive profile of the Miami Dolphins during his tenure. His contract extension in 2019 underscored his value and impact on the field as one of the top-paid and most respected cornerbacks in the NFL.

Controversies

Like many professional athletes, Xavien Howard has faced some controversies throughout his career. In a 2019 NFL game, he was ejected for slapping an opponent, Cedrick Wilson Jr., on the facemask, an action viewed as unsportsmanlike. Additionally, his career has been marred by knee injuries, which sidelined him for significant periods, leading to questions about his long-term durability. However, Howard has largely maintained a professional reputation, with no major off-field scandals reported.

Xavien Howard Summary

Xavien Howard is a talented NFL cornerback known for his impressive defensive skills and leadership on the field. From his roots in Houston, Texas, to his collegiate years at Baylor University, and his professional accomplishments with the Miami Dolphins and Indianapolis Colts, Howard has made a significant mark in the sport of American football. Despite challenges such as injuries and isolated on-field incidents, his career has been marked by commendable achievements and a commitment to family. He continues to be a prominent figure in the NFL and a role model for aspiring athletes.