The New Orleans Saints skilled an sudden shakeup simply as their coaching camp preparations had been set to start.
Tyrann Mathieu, the veteran security recognized all through his profession as “The Honey Badger,” introduced his retirement from skilled soccer on July 22, catching the group and followers without warning.
The timing proved significantly hanging provided that Mathieu had participated within the crew’s veteran minicamp periods main as much as the announcement.
“Tyrann Mathieu publicizes his retirement from the NFL after 12 seasons,” the NFL introduced.
Tyrann Mathieu publicizes his retirement from the NFL after 12 seasons. pic.twitter.com/VR0deoYasU
— NFL (@NFL) July 22, 2025
The choice got here simply in the future earlier than the Saints had been scheduled to open coaching camp, including a component of shock to what had appeared like routine offseason preparations.
Mathieu’s departure closes the guide on a distinguished 12-year profession that started when the Arizona Cardinals chosen him 69th general within the 2013 NFL Draft.
The defensive again established himself as one of many league’s most versatile and impactful gamers, incomes three All-Professional picks and three Professional Bowl appearances whereas capturing a Tremendous Bowl championship with the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs in 2020.
Mathieu completed his profession with 838 tackles, 36 interceptions, 11 sacks, and 4 defensive touchdowns.
The numbers solely scratch the floor of his affect, nonetheless, as teammates and coaches persistently praised his management qualities and soccer intelligence.
Off the sphere, Mathieu made important contributions by way of his basis work, specializing in underserved communities and psychological well being consciousness.
His efforts earned him two Walter Payton Man of the Yr nominations, reflecting his dedication to creating a distinction past soccer.
Mathieu spent his last three seasons with the Saints, returning to his Louisiana roots and beginning all 51 video games.
Whilst he entered his thirties, he remained extremely productive, recording 10 interceptions and 24 move deflections throughout his New Orleans tenure.
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