NFL Legend Makes Bold Claim About Texans RB Joe Mixon

Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon has been turning heads in the 2024 NFL season, and now an NFL legend has made a bold claim that’s sparking buzz among fans and analysts alike. With the Texans riding high as AFC South champions and Mixon delivering a Pro Bowl-caliber performance, this statement from a football icon has added fuel to the conversation about his place among the league’s elite. Could Mixon be on the cusp of something truly special in Houston? Let’s break down the claim and what it means for the Texans’ star running back.

A Breakout Season in Houston

Joe Mixon arrived in Houston in March 2024 via a trade from the Cincinnati Bengals, and he’s quickly proven his worth. In his first 14 games with the Texans, Mixon racked up 1,016 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns, averaging an impressive 88.7 yards per game—good for third in the NFL. His bruising style and versatility have been a perfect fit for Bobby Slowik’s offensive scheme, taking pressure off young quarterback C.J. Stroud and elevating the Texans to a playoff contender. Mixon’s standout performances, including a 159-yard debut against the Colts, earned him AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors and cemented his role as a team leader.

But it’s not just the stats that have people talking. Mixon’s grit and old-school mentality have brought a new edge to the Texans, earning him a captaincy after Stefon Diggs’ season-ending injury. His six straight 100-yard road games set an NFL record, surpassing legends like Derrick Henry and Tiki Barber. Now, an NFL great has stepped forward with a claim that’s raising eyebrows.

The Bold Claim: Mixon Among the All-Time Greats?

During a recent episode of the 25-10 Podcast, NFL legend Todd Gurley—a former Offensive Player of the Year and two-time All-Pro running back—dropped a bombshell. Gurley boldly ranked Joe Mixon among his top-five running backs entering the 2024 season and doubled down by suggesting Mixon could finish his career among the all-time greats. “Joe Mixon’s got that dawg in him,” Gurley said. “He’s got the stats, the toughness, and now he’s with a team that can take him to the next level. I wouldn’t be shocked if he ends up in Canton.”

Gurley’s claim isn’t baseless. Mixon, now 28, has over 7,000 career rushing yards, placing him among the top 10 active running backs. His 2024 season with the Texans has showcased his ability to dominate games, with three-touchdown performances and clutch runs that seal victories. If he maintains this pace over his three-year, $27 million contract with Houston, Mixon could indeed climb the ranks of NFL history.

Why This Matters for the Texans

The Texans are in a golden era with C.J. Stroud at the helm, but Mixon’s presence has added a dimension that makes them a legitimate Super Bowl threat. His ability to churn out yards against stacked defenses—like his 101-yard effort against the Jaguars—gives Houston a balanced attack that few teams can match. Gurley’s praise highlights what Texans fans already know: Mixon isn’t just a good running back; he’s a game-changer.

Skeptics and the Road Ahead

Not everyone agrees with Gurley’s bold take. Critics point to Mixon’s injury history—like the ankle issue that sidelined him for three games in 2024—and question whether he can sustain this level long-term. Still, with two years left on his deal and a Texans offense firing on all cylinders, Mixon has a real shot to prove the legend right.

As the 2025 offseason looms, all eyes will be on Mixon and the Texans. Can he build on this momentum and etch his name alongside the NFL’s immortals? Gurley thinks so—and that’s a claim worth watching.