Joe Mixon throws major shade at NFL targetting NHL's Connor McDavid after league slaps Texans RB with $25000 fine

Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon responded to the NFL's $25,000 fine. The penalty came after his team's divisional-round playoff loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Mixon, who joined the Texans via trade last offseason, emerged as a vital piece in Houston's resurgent 2024 campaign. The controversy erupted following their 23-14 defeat at the Arrowhead Stadium.

The NHL's Connor McDavid became an unexpected reference point in Mixon's criticism of the league's decision.

On X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, Mixon highlighted the absurdity of being punished for words he never spoke. His creative response drew attention to the NFL's apparent lapse in fact-checking.

"I'm getting fined by the (NFL) for what someone else said. What's next? I get fined by them for Connor McDavid cross checking an opponent on a (NHL) game!" Mixon wrote.

The NFL's disciplinary action centered on a quote criticizing officiating:

"Why play the game if every 50/50 call goes with Chiefs. These officials are trash and bias." These words actually came from former Bengals receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh on Sunday, not Mixon.

Joe Mixon optimistic even after the season's end

NFL: AFC Divisional Round-Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs (Image Source: Imagn)

Joe Mixon's actual postgame comments stood in stark contrast to the inflammatory statement he was fined for. His measured words reflected the universal challenge of playing at Arrowhead Stadium.

"Everybody know how it is playing up here. You can never leave it into the ref's hands. The whole world see, man," Mixon remarked.

The NFL's fine letter notably omitted these actual comments.

The running back's agent, Peter Schaffer, has vowed to "defend and appeal" the fine. He plans to "explore all other legal avenues to rectify this situation."

Beyond the controversy, Mixon remains optimistic about Houston's trajectory.

"I know for a fact that Nick [Caserio] got something cooked up right now," Mixon said on Sunday, referring to the Texans' general manager. "Fireworks will be here real soon."

The NFL faces mounting pressure to acknowledge its error and rescind the fine. This incident adds fresh scrutiny to the league's disciplinary process, particularly as the Texans look to build on their promising 2024 season that ended in Kansas City.