'Always Been a Leader!' Joe Mixon's Leadership Will Be Key For Houston Texans

The Houston Texans traded for Joe Mixon to help their offensive backfield, but there is another attribute he will bring to help the franchise reach their potential.

Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon (28) eyes the end zone on a run in the first quarter / Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer / USA TODAY

HOUSTON -- The Houston Texans landed Joe Mixon in a trade from the Cincinnati Bengals on March 13. Two days later, they signed the veteran running back to a three-year, $27 million contract extension. Their acquisition of Mixon came following the team's failed pursuit of Saquon Barkley, who joined the Philadelphia Eagles on a three-year deal.

The Texans have met their off-season objective to improve their offensive backfield. Mixon has established himself as a top-tier player at his position, rushing for 1,000 yards in four of his seven seasons since entering the league in 2017.

Mixon aims to translate his productivity from Cincinnati to Houston ahead of his first season. But he will bring another vital attribute that will benefit the team beyond his on-field production.

Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon (28) eyes the end zone on a run in the first quarter / Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer / USA TODAY

"One is a leader; I've been a captain the last three years in Cincinnati," Mixon said. "When I speak, I lead and speak with the command. Guys listen and they feed off of me. I'm going to just continue to be the same person that I've been since I walked in out there when I was 20 years old. Always been a leader, lead by example. And I do be a vocal leader, as well."

Leadership is one of the main attributes coach DeMeco Ryans has valued when constructing the roster in his image since March 2023.

It was one of the qualities that made Ryans confident when the franchise had to settle for C.J. Stroud at pick No. 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft. It also played a major role in helping Ryans and general manager Nick Caserio decide to trade up for former Alabama prospect Will Anderson Jr with the No. 3 overall pick.

The leadership qualities Ryans added helped the Texans improve their subpar culture that had the franchise spending three consecutive years in purgatory. The addition of Mixon will help the Texans maintain their suitable culture en route to building upon the success of 2023.

Mixon finished his final season with the Cincinnati Bengals rushing for 1,034 yards on 257 attempts and nine touchdowns.

"I'm here to make sure we all gel together at a high level," Mixon said. "We're all competing, and we're going to do that each and every day, whether it's on the field, off the field... I think Houston has nothing but great things coming their way, and to be proud with everything that we're building here."