Joe Mixon and the Houston Texans lost 23-14 to the Kansas City Chiefs in the Divisional Round. Following the game, many Texans players expressed their issues with how some of the questionable referee calls went in favor of the Chiefs.
Mixon was among the players who talked about the refs, and the NFL recently fined him $25,000 for a thing he didn’t even say.
Fans React to Joe Mixon Getting Fined
Fans on social media supported Mixon and defended the running back after he was fined for a bizarre reason.
The league later switched their decision to fine Mixon for what he said after the game instead of what someone else said on a talk show.
Here’s a post explaining the context behind why Mixon is angry with the NFL’s decision:
For context: pic.twitter.com/lfmWKcBZPx
— Kyle (@ImKyleMangum) January 22, 2025
Here are some of the reactions from fans who defended the Texans’ running back and urged him to get help from the players’ association:
The union needs to step in.
— Jagger Drury (@JaggerCDrury) January 22, 2025
“Joe Mixon did nothing wrong,” said a fan.
Another fan added, “NFL needs to treat its players with more respect.”
Not only do the Chiefs get every call in the playoffs… they also are getting guys fined for things they never said https://t.co/x4e3phjMGl
— YardsPerPass (@YardsPerPass) January 23, 2025
“The NFL will do everything to protect the refs but give two f***s about the players that actually bring in the revenue,” wrote one fan.
“If the players union doesn’t step up about this, then what’s the f***ing point of them existing?” added a fan.
Appeal the fine Joe. Don’t pay a dime.
— Kyle Georg (@kylegeorg) January 22, 2025
Although the fans asked the players’ association to take action on Mixon’s fine, it will be hard for them to rescind that. The 28-year-old running back did take a subtle dig at the referees after the game, and the league has a genuine reason to fine him.
“Everybody knows how it is playing up here. You can never leave it into the refs’ hands,” Mixon said, per ESPN. “The whole world sees, man, what it is. When it comes down to it, you can never leave it into the refs’ hands. It’s all good, though.”
There has been a growing resentment on social media platforms against the Chiefs, pointing out any call that goes in favor of Patrick Mahomes and Co.
Some of the decisions in the Chiefs vs. Texans game in the Divisional Round further fueled conspiracy theories about the league favoring the reigning Super Bowl champions.
Mixon and the Texans Were Unlucky This Past Season
Before the 2024 season, the Texans made some aggressive moves to make a run for the Super Bowl. They acquired Mixon and Stefon Diggs via trade, and on paper, their offense looked like one of the best in the league. The veteran running back also signed a three-year, $25.5 million restructured contract to stay with the team until the end of the 2026 season.
Unfortunately, WR injuries derailed the team’s season. C.J. Stroud’s performance also took a big hit without his two star wide receivers, and the offense as a whole wasn’t able to perform at the level required for a Super Bowl-contending team.
The injuries on offense wasted a terrific season for the Texans’ defense, which was one of the best units in the league. Houston was quite unlucky this past season as they couldn’t make a deep playoff run because of reasons that were out of their control.
The team now heads into the offseason with a huge issue at offensive line. Stroud was sacked eight times against the Chiefs, and the Texans need to bolster their O-line in order to contend next season.
Dell is expected to miss next season, but Diggs will be cleared to play. However, since the veteran wideout will be a free agent, there is no guarantee he will re-sign with the Texans. So, the team also needs an addition at the wide receiver position.
Stroud knows he has to play better next year, but the team also needs to help him, as no quarterback can succeed in the NFL if he gets sacked 63 times in 19 games.
Hopefully, DeMeco Ryans and Nick Caserio will be able to address the areas of need on the roster via the draft and free agency so that Houston continues to build on their success.