Tyrann Mathieu

Tyrann Devine Mathieu is an American football safety for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at LSU. In college he developed a reputation for causing turnovers, setting a Southeastern Conference (SEC) record with 11 forced fumbles and earning the nickname "the Honey Badger". In his sophomore season, he was recognized as a consensus All-American, won the Chuck Bednarik Award as the best defensive player in college football, and was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy. Mathieu was dismissed from the LSU football program after that season due to a violation of team rules.

Tyrann Mathieu’s Early Life and Background

A native of New Orleans, Louisiana, Mathieu attended St. Augustine High School, where he played for the St. Augustine Purple Knights high school football team. He recorded 32 tackles, five interceptions, one sack, and one fumble recovery as a senior.

While living in New Orleans' Central City, Mathieu was raised by his grandparents. His biological mother was absent the majority of the time and his biological father, Darrin Hayes, has been incarcerated for murder most of Mathieu's life. After his grandfather died in 1997, Mathieu was adopted by his uncle, Tyrone Mathieu, and aunt, Sheila Mathieu.

Considered a four-star recruit by Mathieu was listed as the No. 13 cornerback in the nation in 2010.

Tyrann Mathieu Collegiate Career

Mathieu accepted an athletic scholarship to attend Louisiana State University, where he played for coach Les Miles' LSU Tigers football team from 2010 to 2011. As a true freshman, Mathieu played in all 13 games and finished with totals of 59 tackles, three sacks, and two interceptions. He was the Most Outstanding Defensive Player of the 2011 Cotton Bowl Classic after he recorded seven tackles, one tackle for loss, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, one interception, one sack, and one pass breakup.

At the end of the 2011 regular season, Mathieu had 77 total tackles (60 solo and 17 assists), 1.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries (two returned for a touchdown), and two interceptions. On special teams, Mathieu had 26 punt returns for 420 yards, with 2 returned for a touchdown. On October 19, 2011, Mathieu was suspended for one game following a violation of LSU's drug policy. Mathieu was named the most valuable player of the 2011 SEC Championship Game. Mathieu earned the nickname "The Honey Badger" for his tenacious ability to play extremely tough football against much larger opponents, his knack for making big plays, as well as his dyed patch of blond hair on the top of his head. On December 8, 2011, Mathieu was awarded the Chuck Bednarik Award, given to the year’s best defensive player in college football. On August 10, 2012, LSU head coach Les Miles announced that Mathieu would be dismissed from the football team due to a violation of team rules, with the reports suggesting that Mathieu had failed repeated drug tests. On August 17, 2012, Mathieu withdrew from LSU and entered a drug rehabilitation program in Houston, Texas. Mathieu's withdrawal was expected to last for the entire 2012–2013 academic year. However, on September 4, 2012, Mathieu ended his withdrawal and enrolled in fall semester classes. On October 25, 2012, Mathieu and three other LSU former players were arrested for possession of marijuana.

Who Drafted Tryann Mathieu?

On November 29, 2012, it was announced that Mathieu would enter the NFL Draft. Mathieu participated in the 2013 NFL Scouting Combine on February 26, 2013. He ran a 4.50 40-yard dash, had 4 reps of 225 pounds, a 34-inch vertical, and a 117-inch broad jump. He also later participated at his pro day on March 27, 2013. Prior to the 2012 season, Mathieu was ranked as the third-best cornerback prospect in the upcoming 2013 NFL Draft. He was projected to be a second or third-round pick by the majority of NFL draft experts and scouts. At the conclusion of the pre-draft process, Mathieu was ranked as the tenth-best cornerback prospect in the draft. The Arizona Cardinals selected Mathieu in the third round (69th overall) of the 2013 NFL Draft. Mathieu was the sixth safety drafted in 2013.

Tryann Mathieu’s NFL Journey

After spending a year out of football in 2012, he was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft, reuniting him in the defensive backfield with former college teammate Patrick Peterson. As a rookie, he was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team and has since earned three invitations to the Pro Bowl and has been named to the first-team All-Pro team three times. Mathieu has also played for the Houston Texans and Kansas City Chiefs, where he was a member of the team that won Super Bowl LIV.

Tryann Mathieu’s teams

Arizona Cardinals (2013-2017)

The Arizona Cardinals selected Mathieu in the third round (69th overall) of the 2013 NFL Draft. On April 26, 2013, it was reported that Cardinals’ head coach Bruce Arians stated that Mathieu would be playing free safety although it was widely expected he would play slot cornerback coming out of college.

On May 23, 2013, the Arizona Cardinals signed Mathieu to a four-year, $3.05 million contract that included $817,187 guaranteed and a signing bonus of $265,000. Mathieu stated that he would remove himself from any association with his nickname, saying that he wants to be known as "Tyrann Mathieu" as opposed to "Honey Badger”. On December 10, 2013, the Arizona Cardinals placed Mathieu on injured reserve officially ending his rookie season. He completed his rookie season in 2013 with 68 combined tackles (65 solos), nine pass deflections, two interceptions, a sack, and a forced fumble in 13 games and 11 starts. Mathieu was named a first-team All-Pro at the slot cornerback position. In Week 10 of the 2014 season, Mathieu replaced Tony Jefferson and became the starting free safety. Mathieu finished the season with 39 combined tackles(35 solos), four pass deflections, an interception, and a fumble recovery in 13 games and six starts.

Mathieu was named to his first Pro Bowl after the 2015 season and was named by the Associated Press as a first-team All-Pro safety. On August 2, 2016, the Arizona Cardinals signed Mathieu to a five-year, $62.5 million extension that included $21.25 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $15.5 million. Mathieu battled a shoulder injury for most of the season and was unable to produce at his usual level. Overall, Mathieu finished the 2017 season with 78 total tackles, two interceptions, one forced fumble, and one sack.

On March 14, 2018, Mathieu was released by the Cardinals after refusing to take a pay cut.

Houston Texans (2018)

On March 17, 2018, Mathieu signed a one-year contract with the Houston Texans worth $7 million. In his first game with the Texans, against the New England Patriots, Mathieu had one interception, recovered a fumble, and had five tackles. He finished the season with 89 combined tackles, three sacks, eight passes defended, and two interceptions.

Kansas City Chiefs (2019-2021)

On March 14, 2019, Mathieu signed a three-year, $42 million contract with the Kansas City Chiefs. Overall, Mathieu finished the 2019 season with 75 total tackles, four interceptions, 12 passes defended, and two sacks. On February 2, 2020, Mathieu won Super Bowl LIV when the Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers 31–20. Overall, Mathieu finished the 2020 season with 62 total tackles, nine passes defended, one fumble recovery, and a career-high six interceptions. On September 1, 2021, Mathieu tested positive for COVID-19 and was placed on the COVID-19 reserve list.

New Orleans Saints (Present)

On May 4, 2022, Mathieu signed a three-year, $33 million contract with his hometown team, the New Orleans Saints.

Championships and Rings Won by Tyrann Mathieu

On February 2, 2020, Mathieu won Super Bowl LIV when the Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers 31–20.

Tyrann Mathieu’s Super Bowl Championship Rings

Tyrann Mathieu Awards and Honours

Tyrann Mathieu Net Worth

The NFL athlete has earned most of his wealth through his career in the National Football League. Mathieu’s net worth is estimated at $25 million.

Tyrann Mathieu Contract

On May 4, 2022, Mathieu signed a three-year, $33 million contract with his hometown team, the New Orleans Saints.

Tyrann Mathieu family

While living in New Orleans' Central City, Mathieu was raised by his grandparents. His biological mother was absent the majority of the time and his biological father, Darrin Hayes, has been incarcerated for murder most of Mathieu's life. After his grandfather died in 1997, Mathieu was adopted by his uncle, Tyrone Mathieu, and aunt, Sheila Mathieu.