Former Miami Dolphins Pro Bowl cornerback Xavien Howard has addressed the growing chatter surrounding his absence from a recent team event, making it clear there’s no hidden drama behind the decision.
In an interview earlier this week, Howard explained that his absence was due to a prior personal commitment and not because of any rift with teammates or coaches.
“There’s no problem, no tension. I had something scheduled that I couldn’t change. I respect my teammates, my coaches, and the organization. That’s all there is to it,” Howard said, brushing aside the rumors.
The speculation began when Howard was noticeably missing from the team gathering, sparking online debates and fueling social media theories about possible conflicts. Some fans even drew comparisons to past holdouts — Howard once missed part of minicamp during a contract dispute — but the veteran cornerback insists this time is different.
Howard, a four-time Pro Bowler and two-time NFL interceptions leader, played eight seasons in Miami before parting ways with the team in 2024. Despite the noise, he says his focus remains on the future and staying ready for the next opportunity.
“People can say what they want. I’m staying locked in on my training and my goals. That’s the only thing that matters,” he added.
With his statement, Howard hopes to put the speculation to rest and shift the conversation back to football — where his play, not off-field chatter, has always spoken the loudest.
