Tyrann Mathieu Retires from NFL: Honey Badger Bids Farewell After 12 Seasons

Tyrann Mathieu just did something fans weren’t quite ready for—he’s stepping away from the NFL. After 12 seasons, the “Honey Badger” announced his retirement in a heartfelt social media post.

At 33 years old, Mathieu closes the book on a career that was anything but ordinary. He made the announcement in a message filled with gratitude, reflecting on the journey that started at LSU and led him through highs, lows, and a Super Bowl ring.

“As I hang up my cleats,” he wrote, “I’m filled with gratitude… Football gave me a purpose, discipline, and memories that will stay with me forever. But more than anything, it gave me a community.”

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How did he rise from controversy to champion?

Before he became a Super Bowl champ or an NFL All-Pro, Tyrann was an electrifying college star. His sophomore season at LSU in 2011 turned heads—76 tackles, six forced fumbles, two interceptions, and two fumble recoveries returned for touchdowns. He even finished fifth in the Heisman voting. As a defensive player. That doesn’t happen often.

But his college career took a hard turn. In 2012, Mathieu was dismissed from LSU for repeated marijuana-related violations. A few months later, he was arrested. A lot of people wrote him off.

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Then came redemption.

Despite his off-the-field baggage, the Arizona Cardinals took a chance on him in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft. It turned out to be one of the best decisions they ever made. Mathieu quickly became a star—fearless, versatile, and always around the ball. He earned two All-Pro selections during his five years in Arizona.

What did his NFL journey look like?

After Arizona, Mathieu spent a season with the Texans. Then came Kansas City—and that’s where his legacy really took shape. In 2019, he helped lead the Chiefs to a Super Bowl win. He wasn’t just a starter. He was a captain. A tone-setter. A leader.

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Three Pro Bowls. 180 games. 838 tackles. 36 interceptions. Four pick-sixes. The numbers tell part of the story. The heart, grit, and resilience tell the rest.

For the past three seasons, he’s been back home with the New Orleans Saints, finishing his career where it all started—Louisiana.

And now, the Honey Badger rests. Or maybe just pauses. Because knowing Tyrann Mathieu, he’s not disappearing. He’s just turning the page.