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Super Bowl -mester Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement from the NFL in a post for social media Tuesday.
Mathieu, 33, spent the last three seasons of his 12-year career with New Orleans Saints. Mathieu was known “Honey Badger” throughout his career.
“When I hang up in my bricks, I am filled with gratitude when I close this chapter of my life and officially retire from the game that is shaped me in every way,” Mathieu wrote in his post.
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New Orleans Saints Safety Tyrann Mathieu (32) against Arizona Cardinals during an NFL game on the Present at State Farm Stadium on August 10, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona. (Mark J. Revilas/USA Today Sports)
“From my first snap in college to my last spectacle in the NFL, this journey has been nothing less than a blessing. Football gave me a purpose, discipline and memories that will remain with me forever. But more than anything else it gave me a society.”
Mathieu burst out on stage as an electrifying player during his college days at LSU. He ended up in fifth place in the Heisman Trophy vote as a prominent defensive back as another.
In the second season of 2011, Mathieu had 76 combined tackles, 1.5 sacks, two intercepts, nine passports defended, six forced fumbles and two fumble recovery for touchdowns.
In August 2012, however, Mathieu was kicked from the team for continuous failing drug trials to marijuana use. In October 2012, Mathieu was arrested for possession of marijuana.
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Kansas City Chiefs Quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) and strong security tyrann Mathieu (32) celebrates after beating San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl life at Hard Rock Stadium on February 2nd 2020 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Matthew Emmons/USA Today Sports)
Despite being extremely talented, Mathieu fell to the third round of the NFL draft in 2013 due to his off-the-Field question before Arizona Cardinals chose him.
Mathieu ended up emerging as a star for cardinals when he was named an all-pro team twice in his five years with the team.
“To any coach who believed in me, every teammate fought struggling next to me, and every fan who showed up, cheered and rode with me through the heights and low, thank you. You gave me strength when I needed it the most and your love carried me longer than I ever imagined,” Mathieu wrote.
Mathieu spent a season of Houston Texans and then joined Kansas City Chiefs. Mathieu was an integral part of Chiefs’ Super Bowl-winning team in 2019.
New Orleans Saints Safety Tyrann Mathieu (32) celebrates with New Orleans Saints Cornerback Alontae Taylor (1) and New Orleans Saints Cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry (14) after making an interception during the second half against Dallas Cowboys at & T Stadium on September 15, 2024, in Arlingon, Texas. (Kevin Jairaj-IMAGN images)
The three-time pro bowler spent three seasons with chiefs before spending the last three seasons with the saints.
Mathieu played 180 matches in his NFL career and had 838 combined tackles, 11 sacks, 36 interceptions, 100 passports defended, seven forced fumbles and eight fumble recovery. Four of his interceptions were returned to touchdowns.
“I hope I made you proud out there. This is not goodbye – it’s just the next chapter. Much love, always. Tyrann.”
