2022 wasn’t the best year for Miami Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard. Despite getting voted to the Pro Bowl, the former Baylor Bear had one of his worst seasons statistically, allowing a 101.2 passer rating on throws his way.
It was clear that something was ailing him, and it was known he was dealing with groin injuries. However, there were many who were quick to say that Howard’s best days in the NFL were behind him at only 29 years old.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Howard addressed the negative comments.
“Just seeing people saying I’m washed, I’m getting older and stuff like that,” Howard said. “Just a little bit of motivation. People are gonna say this and say that. I’ve been proving the critics wrong my whole life, so it’s nothing new.”
Entering his eighth professional season, Howard has made the Pro Bowl four times and has been an All-Pro once. Coming off of two groin injuries last year, being in a new defensive system and playing with Jalen Ramsey could see the 2016 second-round selection revert back to his pre-2022 form.
Critics may be eating their words in 2023, but if Howard doesn’t bounce back, they’ll be ready to double down.
