The Houston Texans last took the field on October 25, falling 27-21 at home to the New York Giants. Their former running back, Joe Mixon, has not played since leaving Houston, but he is back in the headlines this week. The free agent posted an emotional message on X on Tuesday that points to a painful personal link behind a tragedy in Florida.
A Learjet 60 crashed on Sunday in a residential area of Palm Beach County, Florida, and all nine people on board were killed. Reuters reported that the private jet took off from Austin, Texas, and was heading to the Bahamas. The NTSB is investigating, and a final cause has not been confirmed.
Mixon, 30, said he knew both the aircraft and the crew. His post read : "Absolutely devastated by yesterday's tragic plane crash in Florida and the loss of all nine lives. I flew on that exact aircraft last month with those same two pilots."
Jan 11, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; -Los Angeles Chargers defensive back Deane Leonard (33) reaches for Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (28) in the fourth quarter in an AFC wild card game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
The victims included a Texas family of four with two young children, their nanny, two family friends and both pilots. The co-pilot was 20-year-old Nathalia Gadelha Filgueiras, while the captain was 55.
Mixon described the pilots as skilled professionals and kind people. He also said the co-pilot's story and the future ahead of her made the loss even harder to take.
"They were incredible professionals and genuinely wonderful people. Hearing the young woman's story and learning about the bright future she had ahead of her makes it even more heartbreaking that her life was cut so short."
The post closed with a simple message. Mixon urged followers to cherish loved ones while they can. It had already drawn close to 500,000 views on X.
"My heart, thoughts, and prayers go out to the grieving families and loved ones of everyone on board. A tragic reminder of how fragile life is. Love on your loved ones while you can, because you never know what tomorrow may bring."
Mixon is still looking for a new team, and his football future has its own uncertain story.
Mixon has not played since the Texans' playoff loss to the Chiefs in January 2025, capping a Pro Bowl season in which he ran for 1,016 yards and 11 touchdowns. A foot injury kept him out for all of 2025, and the Texans released him in March.
A July report said he did not expect to play again. Hope of a return grew in early October when the Seahawks planned to add him to their practice squad. That plan ended after he underwent a physical. NFL insider Ian Rapoport described a degenerative foot issue, and that Seahawks physical raised fresh doubts about whether he can continue.
Details about the injury remain scarce, since the Texans gave few answers. For now, the five-time 1,000-yard rusher is an unrestricted free agent waiting for a team willing to take the risk.
The Texans are 2-5 and will visit the 0-7 Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, November 8. Houston has lost five of seven, and Houston's offense is still a concern, while the Chargers chase a first win. Mixon, meanwhile, waits for a call.
The post Texans' Joe Mixon Left 'Absolutely Devastated' After Discovering Personal Link to Deadly Florida Jet Crash appeared first on Gridiron Heroics .
