It turns out Texans running back Joe Mixon has been keeping receipts.
Right after Saturday’s Wild Card win over the Los Angeles Chargers, Mixon took to social media to light up former long-time NFL head coach Rex Ryan, who declared on national television earlier in the week that this week’s game was virtually a bye for the Chargers on ESPN’s Get Up program.
Lighting up a cigar on a live social media video, Mixon told his fans, “we’re smoking on that Rex Ryan bye week pack,” while blowing smoke into the camera.
Rex Ryan said the Chargers have a “bye week” facing the Texans.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 12, 2025
Joe Mixon is celebrating that now: pic.twitter.com/YsTPkjB1ev
Initially, Mixon responded to Ryan by saying he’d let his helmet and pads do the talking, which was the case on Saturday night when he finished with over 100 rushing yards and a touchdown in the 32-12 win.
On what was a forgettable night for the Chargers and quarterback Justin Herbert, Mixon helped land the final dagger when he rushed for a 17-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter to put the game out of reach.
Houston’s offense looked sluggish to start with, but once C.J. Stroud found Nico Collins for the game’s first touchdown, it didn’t take long for the Texans to hit their stride.
Overall, Mixon received a healthy dose of the rock, rushing 26 times behind an offensive line that has been shaky all season.
Amid a second straight 1,000-yard season, he’ll be relied upon heavily again next week when the Texans set out to win their first Divisional Round game in the team’s history.
