When the New Orleans Saints begin training camp on Wednesday, they'll be without All-Pro safety Tyrann Mathieu.
Moments ago, Mathieu announced his retirement from the NFL. This came as a shock to fans around the country. After all, the Super Bowl champion was under contract for the 2025 season.
According to Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football, Mathieu just had a new baby. It's possible that factored into his decision.
All we know for certain is that Mathieu will leave behind one heck of a career.
"As I hang up my cleats, I’m filled with gratitude as I close this chapter of my life and officially retire from the game that’s shaped me in every way," Mathieu wrote on Instagram. "From my first snap in college to my final play in the NFL, this journey has been nothing short of a blessing. Football gave me purpose, discipline, and memories that will stay with me forever. But more than anything, it gave me a community.
"To every coach who believed in me, every teammate who battled beside me, and every fan who showed up, cheered, and rode with me through the highs and lows, thank you. You gave me strength when I needed it most, and your love carried me farther than I ever imagined. I hope I made you proud out there.This isn’t goodbye — it’s just the next chapter.
Mathieu, 33, started his NFL career with the Arizona Cardinals before joining the Houston Texans in 2018. He won a Super Bowl with the Kansas City Chiefs before returning home to Louisiana in 2022.
The former LSU star will finish his NFL career with 838 tackles, 100 pass break-ups, 36 interceptions and seven forced fumbles.
There's no question fans will miss watching the "Honey Badger" play football on Sundays.
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