Brett Davis-Imagn Images

LSU Pays Tribute to Tyrann Mathieu After His NFL Retirement Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Dean Koutouratsas | Last updated Jul 22, 2025 9:03 PM ET

The LSU Tigers paid tribute to former First-Team All-American defensive back Tyrann Mathieu, who he announced his retirement from the NFL on Tuesday, on the eve of the Saints' training camp.

Mathieu made a significant impact on the Tigers' secondary even though he played just two seasons from 2010-11 (removed from the team in 2012 due to multiple failed drug tests). Mathieu also performed well as a punt and kick returner for the Tigers by recording 421 yards and two touchdowns in two seasons.

In 2011, he helped LSU go 12-1 in 2011 with their only loss coming to the Alabama Crimson Tide (21-0) in the Allstate BCS National Championship. That season, he was a Heisman Trophy finalist after recording 76 total tackles, six forced fumbles and two interceptions.

After Mathieu announced his retirement from football, LSU posted a short montage of some of his best moments on X.

“There will only be one Tyrann Mathieu,” the team wrote. “Forever 7.”

There will only be one Tyrann Mathieu.

Forever 7 pic.twitter.com/QQ07N7ZplJ
— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) July 22, 2025

Mathieu decided to hang up the cleats after playing 12 seasons in the NFL with the Arizona Cardinals (2013-17), Houston Texans (2018), Kansas City Chiefs (2019-21) and New Orleans Saints (2022-24). He finished his career with 834 total tackles, 36 interceptions, seven forced fumbles and 11 sacks.

Mathieu won Super Bowl LIV with the Chiefs, made three Pro Bowls and was named to five All-Pro teams. He announced his decision to step away from football on Instagram and sent a message to all his fans.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tyrann Mathieu (@mathieu_era)

“From my first snap in college to my final play in the NFL, this journey has been nothing short of a blessing,” Mathieu wrote in the caption. “Football gives me purpose, discipline, and memories that will stay with me forever. But more than anything, it gave me a community.”

“I hope I made you proud out there. This isn’t goodbye, it’s just the next chapter.”

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: