Mixon's Outburst

HOUSTON – In a candid outburst on Thursday, Texans running back Joe Mixon took aim at the NFL’s commitment to player safety, highlighting what he perceives as a glaring inconsistency in the league's enforcement of rules.

Mixon returned to practice after nursing an ankle injury suffered in Week 2 during a controversial play against the Chicago Bears, where linebacker T.J. Edwards executed a banned hip-drop tackle. Despite the dangerous nature of the tackle, Edwards received no penalty during the game and was only fined a mere $16,883, a sum that raised eyebrows among players and fans alike.

Mixon's Frustration

“I was the No. 1 leader in rushing. I was stopped because of that weak-ass hip-drop tackle,” Mixon lamented. “It's frustrating, it is what it is. I want to be out there more than anybody.”

The former Pro Bowler's frustration is compounded by the NFL's inconsistent application of fines for similar offenses. He pointed out that while he received a significant injury that impeded his performance, other players were fined substantially more for what seemed like minor infractions. For instance, Texans wide receiver Nico Collins received a hefty $22,511 fine for unnecessary roughness in a recent game, while other players like Josh Jacobs and Zach Charbonnet faced fines exceeding $45,000 for helmet-related penalties in their games.

Concerns Over Player Safety

Mixon stated, “You've got guys out here protecting themselves from hits and they are getting fined $45,000 and $50,000 for it. In contrast, an illegal hip-drop tackle is receiving only a slightly higher fine when it’s supposed to be taken out of the game. The priorities aren't right.”

Despite the injury, Mixon was named AFC Player of the Week for his outstanding performance in the season opener, where he rushed for an impressive 159 yards and scored a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts. However, since the Week 2 injury, he has been uncertain about making his return for the upcoming game against the New England Patriots.

Mixon's Future

“I think we'll probably go through practice tomorrow and come up with a decision on whether to go or whether to just wait another week,” Mixon said.

His concerns aren't only confined to the sidelines. Mixon has utilized social media to vocalize his dissatisfaction with the NFL and the Players Association (NFLPA) regarding their handling of player safety issues. After the game against the Bears, he made two significant posts urging the league to take action in alignment with its stated safety protocols.

Conclusion

With the NFL’s ongoing dialogue about player safety reform, Mixon’s outspoken approach raises important questions about how the league prioritizes the well-being of its players. Will this prompt more significant changes, or is it just another case of empty promises? As Mixon continues to advocate for the safety of players and the integrity of the game, fans and fellow athletes alike will be watching closely.