New Orleans Saints defensive back Tyrann Mathieu has announced his retirement from the NFL after a 12-year career, coming to an end with the Saints as the 33-year-old player steps away from the sport. His announcement was shared in a heartfelt social media post, where he looked back on the moments that defined his journey in the NFL. Mathieu, who burst onto the scene as a standout defensive back during his college days at LSU, was known for his electrifying performance, which earned him a fifth-place finish in Heisman Trophy voting as a sophomore in 2011.
Despite his early acclaim, Mathieu’s career faced obstacles. In August 2012, he was kicked off the LSU team for repeated marijuana violations, leading to an arrest for possession in October 2012. These issues contributed to his fall to the third round in the 2013 NFL Draft, where the Arizona Cardinals selected him. Despite the setbacks, Mathieu rose to prominence with the Cardinals, earning All-Pro honors twice in five seasons. He later joined the Houston Texans and the Kansas City Chiefs, being a pivotal part of the Chiefs’ Super Bowl-winning team in 2019. Now, with three Pro Bowl selections and a career total of 180 games played, Mathieu is stepping away from the game he loved, expressing gratitude to his fans and supporting network.
As Mathieu concludes his NFL career, the New Orleans Saints and the broader football community have taken to social media to honor his contributions and achievements. His retirement marks the end of an era for a player who brought energy and resilience to the field, and as he looks forward to the next chapter of his life, he leaves behind a legacy of dedication, perseverance, and community spirit.