Former Cardinals fan favorite announces retirement after 12 NFL seasons
- NFL veteran Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement via Instagram on July 22.
- Mathieu was a third-round pick by the Cardinals in 2013 out of LSU.
The Honey Badger is hanging up his cleats.
Tyrann Mathieu announced in an Instagram post on July 22 that he is retiring from the NFL. The move came as a surprise, given his attendance at the New Orleans Saints' veteran minicamp. The team's training camp is scheduled to begin on July 23.
"From my first snap in college to my final play in the NFL, this journey has been nothing short of a blessing," Mathieu posted. "Football gave me purpose, discipline, and memories that will stay with me forever. But more than anything, it gave me community."
Mathieu, a cornerback, was picked by the Arizona Cardinals in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft out of LSU and was known for his knack for forcing turnovers.
He played five seasons with the Cardinals, recording 11 interceptions, an interception return for a touchdown and forcing four fumbles. He had four sacks during his time in Arizona and recorded 308 combined tackles and 28 tackles for loss.
Mathieu also played for the Houston Texans, Kansas City Chiefs and Saints during his 12-year NFL career. He ended his career with three seasons in New Orleans.
Mathieu recorded 36 interceptions, four interception returns for touchdowns, seven forced fumbles, eight fumble recoveries, 11 sacks and 838 combined tackles during his career.
"To every coach who believed in me, every teammate who battled beside me, and every fan who showed up, cheered, and rode with me through the highs and lows, thank you," Mathieu posted. "You gave me strength when I needed it most, and your love carried me farther than I ever imagined. I hope I made you proud out there."
Mathieu was selected to three Pro Bowls, three AP All-Pro teams and the Pro Football Hall of Fame's 2010s All-Decade Team.
He won a Super Bowl with the Chiefs in 2020.
Reach Jeremy Cluff at jeremy.cluff@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.
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