Tyrann Mathieu, the “Honey Badger,” retired from the NFL on July 22, 2025, leaving behind a 12-year career defined by relentless play and game-changing moments. The New Orleans native’s remarkable stats and accolades cement his place as one of football’s most dynamic safeties, with his impact resonating both on the field and in his community.
A Statistical Powerhouse
Mathieu’s career, spanning 180 games with the Arizona Cardinals (2013–17), Houston Texans (2018), Kansas City Chiefs (2019–21), and New Orleans Saints (2022–24), is detailed in the sports card above. He amassed 685 solo tackles, 153 assists, 11.0 sacks, 36 interceptions (4 returned for touchdowns), 100 passes defended, 7 forced fumbles, and 8 fumble recoveries. His standout 2015 season with the Cardinals saw 89 tackles, 5 interceptions, and 16 pass breakups, earning first-team All-Pro honors. In 2024, his final year with the Saints, he recorded 47 solo tackles, 3 interceptions, and 2 forced fumbles in 17 games, tying for the team lead in takeaways despite a late-season concussion. His Super Bowl LIV performance with the Chiefs (6 tackles in a 31–20 win) remains a career highlight.
A Hometown Hero’s Journey
Born May 13, 1992, in New Orleans, Mathieu starred at LSU, setting an SEC record with 11 forced fumbles and earning the 2011 Chuck Bednarik Award. Drafted by the Cardinals in 2013 after off-field challenges, he became a defensive cornerstone, known for his versatility and tenacity at 5-foot-9, 190 pounds. His 63 consecutive starts with the Chiefs (2019–21) showcased durability, broken only by a strategic rest in Week 17 of 2020. Mathieu’s three Pro Bowls (2015, 2020, 2021) and inclusion in the NFL’s 2010s All-Decade Team underscore his elite status. Posts on X hailed his 91.3 PFF grade and 53 forced incompletions, with fans debating his Hall of Fame candidacy.
Beyond the Numbers
Mathieu’s off-field impact was equally profound. A two-time Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nominee (2021, 2023), he founded the Tyrann Mathieu Foundation, hosting youth camps and donating $1 million to LSU’s Football Operations Center. His 2025 Excellence in Mentoring Award recognized his work with 300 kids at his eighth annual Heart of a Badger camp. Despite early attempts to distance himself from the “Honey Badger” nickname, he embraced it by 2019, reflecting his growth from LSU controversies to NFL stardom.
A Sudden Exit
Mathieu’s retirement, announced via Instagram before the Saints’ training camp, surprised teammates and coaches. His final season’s 62 tackles and 7 pass breakups showed he remained a force, making his decision to prioritize family and coaching unexpected. As the Saints adjust, signing Julian Blackmon, Mathieu’s legacy as a resilient, community-driven leader endures.
Websites Sources
- ESPN (www.espn.com) – Career stats, retirement announcement, and 2024 Saints performance.
- NFL.com (www.nfl.com) – Official stats, Super Bowl LIV details, and retirement news.
- Pro Football Reference (www.pro-football-reference.com) – Comprehensive career stats and draft info.
- Pro Football Focus (www.pff.com) – 2024 grades and defensive rankings.
- New Orleans Saints (www.neworleanssaints.com) – Bio, 2024 stats, and community work.
- CBS Sports (www.cbssports.com) – Career stats and retirement coverage.
- Sportskeeda (www.sportskeeda.com) – LSU background and career overview.
- StatMuse (www.statmuse.com) – Career stat summary and Super Bowl stats.
- USA TODAY Sports (sportsdata.usatoday.com) – Retirement and career highlights.
- Cajun Radio (cajunradio.com) – Retirement announcement and local perspective.
- 99.5 KTDY (999ktdy.com) – Retirement and community impact.
- 107.9 Ishot (1079ishot.com) – Retirement and legacy coverage.
- 96.5 KVKI (965kvki.com) – Retirement and New Orleans ties.
