New Orleans Saints Safety Tyrann Mathieu Retires From NFL After 12 Seasons

Mathieu entered the league with lofty expectations. He was a highly touted prospect out of LSU. In his final collegiate season, he was an All-American, finished fifth in Heisman Trophy voting, and won the Chuck Bednarik Award. He was drafted in the 3rd round of the 2013 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals. He spent the first five seasons of his NFL career with the Cardinals.

Mathieu’s career then saw him spend time with the Houston Texans, Kansas City Chiefs, and New Orleans Saints. He also helped the Chiefs win Super Bowl LIV. He is a three-time Pro Bowler, First-Team All-Pro three times, and was named a member of the All-Decade Team(2010s). He ended his career with 837 total tackles, 36 interceptions, and 11 sacks.

Final Thoughts

Mathieu has a great Hall of Fame case. On Pro Football Reference’s Hall of Fame Monitor, the safety has a better standing than Hall of Famers John Lynch and Eric Allen. Mathieu also slots in right below Donnie Shell, who is enshrined in Canton, Ohio. If the safety gets inducted, it will not be on the first ballot. Regardless, he was one of the best players at his position for over a decade.