Bengals running back Joe Mixon is hopeful his pay cut can help extend teammates
A day after explicitly telling four specific reporters he will not take questions from them, Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon opted to speak to other members of the Bengals beat after Monday's practice. It was the first time he's spoken since training camp began. Since Mixon last spoke to media, he was acquitted on […]
A day after explicitly telling four specific reporters he will not take questions from them, Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon opted to speak to other members of the Bengals beat after Monday's practice. It was the first time he's spoken since training camp began.
Since Mixon last spoke to media, he was acquitted on an aggravated menacing misdemeanor charge, and also took a pay cut to stay with the Bengals for the next two years. He opened up on why he decided to do just that.
"We see all the pieces that we have together, we're trying to keep everybody here in this here locker room," Mixon said. "We see the Super Bowl window, and as long as we keep everybody together, I mean, we're right there. So hopefully these guys get their deals done. And I wish the best for them."
In an offseason that has already featured a few expensive deals for the Bengals, Mixon's transaction was to save money for more to come. Tee Higgins and Joe Burrow are on deck to sign mega-deals leading up to the season-opener that's only 20 days away.
Mixon has earned over $30 million during his first six years with the Bengals, with the bulk of it through a four-year, $48 million extension he signed back in 2020. That contract no longer exists, and Mixon is fine with that so long as it leads to his fellow teammates getting what's theirs.
"I've made money, and I'm comfortable where I'm at," Mixon said. "That's a blessing to be able to receive and try to get more obviously, and to help for generations, but for me, I feel good. I'm comfortable. I'm just glad we were able to get something done and like I said for them guys, I just hope they're able to make things happen and get their deals done."
On one side of the coin, Mixon probably wouldn't be on the team right now if he didn't agree to the pay cut. On the other side, he would've been well within his rights to chase more money and with another team, one that isn't as likely to win a championship. His sacrifice was the best of both worlds, and it came down to him taking the initiative.
Mixon kept his availability about football related questions, but was asked about having any regrets regarding the events that have happened to him during the offseason.
"It's a great thing for everything to be pretty much over with and to be able to hone in on being the best teammate that I can possibly be," Mixon said. "Being a leader and captain that I am around a team, and like I said, it's a blessing to be here for another year man.
"I'm gonna just try to do whatever I can to be what I am to my teammates and to the fans, and try to do whatever I can to be that positive role model in this here locker room because that's what matters."
Mixon speaking to the media is objectively a good thing. It's an avenue for him to say what he feels needs to be said, and to better control any narratives he wishes to control. We'll see if this continues going forward with the season about to start.
In shunning reporters, Bengals running back Joe Mixon forfeits his voice
Entering his seventh year with the Bengals, Mixon announced he will not speak to reporters of certain outlets.
Featured image via X/Twitter @Trags
