Tyrann Mathieu, who became a towering football presence at 5 feet 9 in his home city and state, capped his 12-year NFL career Tuesday afternoon when the New Orleans Saints safety announced his retirement.
Mathieu, a New Orleans native who starred at every stage of his career, burst into prominence at St. Augustine High, skyrocketed to fame at LSU in Baton Rouge where he became a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2011 and was given the nickname "the Honey Badger" and, after being dismissed from the program the next year, vaulted to the NFL as a third-round pick in 2013 who played for the Cardinals (2013-17), Texans (2018), Chiefs (2019-21) and Saints (2022-24).
Over 180 regular-season games (171 starts), he totaled 36 interceptions (four returned for touchdowns), 106 pass breakups, seven forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, 11 sacks and 834 tackles.
He was a four-time All-Pro, a three-time Pro Bowler and a Super Bowl LIV winner with the Chiefs, and in recognition of his charitable acts and community service, he twice was selected as his team's Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee (Chiefs in 2021, Saints in 2023).
Mathieu's retirement, on the day before the Saints' first training camp practice under first-year coach Kellen Moore, wasn't totally unexpected.
"It just came up in the last few days," Saints Executive Vice President/General Manager Mickey Loomis said.
But Mathieu, who started all 51 games in his three seasons with the Saints, leaves a void that extends to off the field, where he provided resources to youth and families in need through the Tyrann Mathieu Foundation.
"Really appreciate his time with us. He was fantastic," Loomis said. "I don't have enough good things to say about him; I have a lot of good things to say about him. But what a great career and (we) just wish him all the best.
"I just think he's one of those guys that just commands respect by his actions and his deeds. He's got a great message, he's very thoughtful, intelligent – super smart player – (he's) about all the right things on the football field and his experiences in life. He was just fantastic."
"Just a spectacular NFL career," Moore said. "His work ethic, play-making skills, the impact he had on this community and in this league, just incredible. He had had a huge impact.
"When I was in Philly (as offensive coordinator with the Eagles) last year, he had an interception in the red zone and it was really about just his awareness and feel for the game. He's such an impactful player because of his understanding and feel for the game. He'd make some moves that would surprise you and challenge you in ways."
Loomis said he was respectful of Mathieu's decision, and did not attempt to talk him into playing another season.
"I wouldn't do that, especially a player of his experience," Loomis said. "He understands himself better than anyone, so I wouldn't do that.
"We'll look and if there's somebody available that can help us, we'll do that, certainly."
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement after 12 years in NFL on July 22, 2025. Check out some of his best photos during his three seasons on and off the field with the Saints.
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement after 12 years in NFL on July 22, 2022. Check out some of his best photos during his three seasons on and off the field with the Saints.
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement after 12 years in NFL on July 22, 2022. Check out some of his best photos during his three seasons on and off the field with the Saints.
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement after 12 years in NFL on July 22, 2022. Check out some of his best photos during his three seasons on and off the field with the Saints.
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement after 12 years in NFL on July 22, 2022. Check out some of his best photos during his three seasons on and off the field with the Saints.
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement after 12 years in NFL on July 22, 2022. Check out some of his best photos during his three seasons on and off the field with the Saints.
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement after 12 years in NFL on July 22, 2022. Check out some of his best photos during his three seasons on and off the field with the Saints.
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement after 12 years in NFL on July 22, 2022. Check out some of his best photos during his three seasons on and off the field with the Saints.
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement after 12 years in NFL on July 22, 2022. Check out some of his best photos during his three seasons on and off the field with the Saints.
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement after 12 years in NFL on July 22, 2022. Check out some of his best photos during his three seasons on and off the field with the Saints.
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement after 12 years in NFL on July 22, 2022. Check out some of his best photos during his three seasons on and off the field with the Saints.
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement after 12 years in NFL on July 22, 2022. Check out some of his best photos during his three seasons on and off the field with the Saints.
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement after 12 years in NFL on July 22, 2022. Check out some of his best photos during his three seasons on and off the field with the Saints.
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement after 12 years in NFL on July 22, 2022. Check out some of his best photos during his three seasons on and off the field with the Saints.
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement after 12 years in NFL on July 22, 2022. Check out some of his best photos during his three seasons on and off the field with the Saints.
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement after 12 years in NFL on July 22, 2022. Check out some of his best photos during his three seasons on and off the field with the Saints.
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement after 12 years in NFL on July 22, 2022. Check out some of his best photos during his three seasons on and off the field with the Saints.
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement after 12 years in NFL on July 22, 2022. Check out some of his best photos during his three seasons on and off the field with the Saints.
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement after 12 years in NFL on July 22, 2022. Check out some of his best photos during his three seasons on and off the field with the Saints.
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement after 12 years in NFL on July 22, 2022. Check out some of his best photos during his three seasons on and off the field with the Saints.
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement after 12 years in NFL on July 22, 2022. Check out some of his best photos during his three seasons on and off the field with the Saints.
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement after 12 years in NFL on July 22, 2022. Check out some of his best photos during his three seasons on and off the field with the Saints.
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement after 12 years in NFL on July 22, 2022. Check out some of his best photos during his three seasons on and off the field with the Saints.
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement after 12 years in NFL on July 22, 2022. Check out some of his best photos during his three seasons on and off the field with the Saints.
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement after 12 years in NFL on July 22, 2022. Check out some of his best photos during his three seasons on and off the field with the Saints.
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement after 12 years in NFL on July 22, 2022. Check out some of his best photos during his three seasons on and off the field with the Saints.
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement after 12 years in NFL on July 22, 2022. Check out some of his best photos during his three seasons on and off the field with the Saints.
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement after 12 years in NFL on July 22, 2022. Check out some of his best photos during his three seasons on and off the field with the Saints.
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement after 12 years in NFL on July 22, 2022. Check out some of his best photos during his three seasons on and off the field with the Saints.
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement after 12 years in NFL on July 22, 2022. Check out some of his best photos during his three seasons on and off the field with the Saints.
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement after 12 years in NFL on July 22, 2022. Check out some of his best photos during his three seasons on and off the field with the Saints.
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement after 12 years in NFL on July 22, 2022. Check out some of his best photos during his three seasons on and off the field with the Saints.
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement after 12 years in NFL on July 22, 2022. Check out some of his best photos during his three seasons on and off the field with the Saints.
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement after 12 years in NFL on July 22, 2022. Check out some of his best photos during his three seasons on and off the field with the Saints.
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement after 12 years in NFL on July 22, 2022. Check out some of his best photos during his three seasons on and off the field with the Saints.
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement after 12 years in NFL on July 22, 2022. Check out some of his best photos during his three seasons on and off the field with the Saints.
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement after 12 years in NFL on July 22, 2022. Check out some of his best photos during his three seasons on and off the field with the Saints.
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement after 12 years in NFL on July 22, 2022. Check out some of his best photos during his three seasons on and off the field with the Saints.
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement after 12 years in NFL on July 22, 2022. Check out some of his best photos during his three seasons on and off the field with the Saints.
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement after 12 years in NFL on July 22, 2022. Check out some of his best photos during his three seasons on and off the field with the Saints.
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement after 12 years in NFL on July 22, 2022. Check out some of his best photos during his three seasons on and off the field with the Saints.
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement after 12 years in NFL on July 22, 2022. Check out some of his best photos during his three seasons on and off the field with the Saints.
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement after 12 years in NFL on July 22, 2022. Check out some of his best photos during his three seasons on and off the field with the Saints.
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement after 12 years in NFL on July 22, 2022. Check out some of his best photos during his three seasons on and off the field with the Saints.
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement after 12 years in NFL on July 22, 2022. Check out some of his best photos during his three seasons on and off the field with the Saints.
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement after 12 years in NFL on July 22, 2022. Check out some of his best photos during his three seasons on and off the field with the Saints.
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement after 12 years in NFL on July 22, 2022. Check out some of his best photos during his three seasons on and off the field with the Saints.
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement after 12 years in NFL on July 22, 2022. Check out some of his best photos during his three seasons on and off the field with the Saints.
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement after 12 years in NFL on July 22, 2022. Check out some of his best photos during his three seasons on and off the field with the Saints.
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement after 12 years in NFL on July 22, 2022. Check out some of his best photos during his three seasons on and off the field with the Saints.
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement after 12 years in NFL on July 22, 2022. Check out some of his best photos during his three seasons on and off the field with the Saints.
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement after 12 years in NFL on July 22, 2022. Check out some of his best photos during his three seasons on and off the field with the Saints.
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement after 12 years in NFL on July 22, 2022. Check out some of his best photos during his three seasons on and off the field with the Saints.
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement after 12 years in NFL on July 22, 2022. Check out some of his best photos during his three seasons on and off the field with the Saints.
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement after 12 years in NFL on July 22, 2022. Check out some of his best photos during his three seasons on and off the field with the Saints.
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement after 12 years in NFL on July 22, 2022. Check out some of his best photos during his three seasons on and off the field with the Saints.
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement after 12 years in NFL on July 22, 2022. Check out some of his best photos during his three seasons on and off the field with the Saints.
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement after 12 years in NFL on July 22, 2022. Check out some of his best photos during his three seasons on and off the field with the Saints.
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement after 12 years in NFL on July 22, 2022. Check out some of his best photos during his three seasons on and off the field with the Saints.
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement after 12 years in NFL on July 22, 2022. Check out some of his best photos during his three seasons on and off the field with the Saints.
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement after 12 years in NFL on July 22, 2022. Check out some of his best photos during his three seasons on and off the field with the Saints.
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement after 12 years in NFL on July 22, 2022. Check out some of his best photos during his three seasons on and off the field with the Saints.
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement after 12 years in NFL on July 22, 2022. Check out some of his best photos during his three seasons on and off the field with the Saints.
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement after 12 years in NFL on July 22, 2022. Check out some of his best photos during his three seasons on and off the field with the Saints.
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement after 12 years in NFL on July 22, 2022. Check out some of his best photos during his three seasons on and off the field with the Saints.
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement after 12 years in NFL on July 22, 2022. Check out some of his best photos during his three seasons on and off the field with the Saints.
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement after 12 years in NFL on July 22, 2022. Check out some of his best photos during his three seasons on and off the field with the Saints.
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement after 12 years in NFL on July 22, 2022. Check out some of his best photos during his three seasons on and off the field with the Saints.
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement after 12 years in NFL on July 22, 2022. Check out some of his best photos during his three seasons on and off the field with the Saints.
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement after 12 years in NFL on July 22, 2022. Check out some of his best photos during his three seasons on and off the field with the Saints.
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement after 12 years in NFL on July 22, 2022. Check out some of his best photos during his three seasons on and off the field with the Saints.
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement after 12 years in NFL on July 22, 2022. Check out some of his best photos during his three seasons on and off the field with the Saints.
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement after 12 years in NFL on July 22, 2022. Check out some of his best photos during his three seasons on and off the field with the Saints.
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement after 12 years in NFL on July 22, 2022. Check out some of his best photos during his three seasons on and off the field with the Saints.
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement after 12 years in NFL on July 22, 2022. Check out some of his best photos during his three seasons on and off the field with the Saints.
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement after 12 years in NFL on July 22, 2022. Check out some of his best photos during his three seasons on and off the field with the Saints.
