As one of the most dynamic and versatile running backs in the NFL, Joe Mixon has been making waves since he was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round of the 2017 NFL draft. Despite facing some early setbacks in his career, he has become one of the league’s most dominant players and a fan favorite in Cincinnati. In this article, we will take a closer look at Joe Mixon’s career and the reasons why he is considered one of the NFL’s brightest stars.
Early Life and College Career
Joe Mixon was born in Oakley, California in 1996. He began playing football at a young age and quickly became one of the most highly-touted prospects in the state. As a senior in high school, he was ranked as one of the top running backs in the country and was widely considered to be one of the best prospects in the 2014 recruiting class.
After a highly successful high school career, Mixon committed to play football at the University of Oklahoma. He was an instant impact player for the Sooners, quickly becoming one of the most productive running backs in the country. In his first two seasons at Oklahoma, Mixon rushed for over 1,700 yards and 16 touchdowns, earning him First-Team All-Big 12 honors in both years.
Despite his success on the field, Mixon faced criticism and controversy off the field. In 2014, he was involved in a physical altercation that resulted in a one-year suspension from the football team. However, he returned to the field the following year and continued to excel, rushing for over 2,000 yards and 20 touchdowns in his final two seasons at Oklahoma.
NFL Career
Mixon’s impressive college career caught the attention of NFL teams, and he was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round of the 2017 NFL draft. In his first season with the Bengals, he rushed for 626 yards and four touchdowns, showing flashes of the dominance that was to come.
Over the next few seasons, Mixon continued to improve, setting career highs in rushing yards and touchdowns each year. In 2020, he had a breakthrough season, rushing for 1,137 yards and five touchdowns, earning him a Pro Bowl selection. He followed up that performance with another impressive season in 2021, rushing for over 1,400 yards and 11 touchdowns.
What Makes Joe Mixon Stand Out
So what makes Joe Mixon one of the NFL’s best running backs? There are several factors that contribute to his success on the field. First and foremost, Mixon is a powerful and explosive runner who possesses the speed and agility to make big plays on the ground. He is also a patient runner who allows his blocks to develop and uses his vision to find holes in the defense.
In addition to his physical attributes, Mixon is also a highly intelligent player who has a strong understanding of the game. He is a skilled receiver out of the backfield and has the ability to contribute to the passing game in a big way. Mixon is also a well-rounded player who has a complete skill set and is able to contribute in all phases of the game.
Joe Mixon’s Impact on the Bengals
Joe Mixon has been a key player for the Cincinnati Bengals since he was drafted, and his impact on the team has been undeniable. He has been one of the team’s top playmakers and has helped to keep the Bengals competitive in a tough AFC North division. With his unique combination of size, speed, and skill, Mixon has proven to be one of the NFL’s most valuable players and a crucial piece of the Bengals
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