New Orleans Saints News

Home

Quizzes

Watch

Newsletter

Power Rankings

Tyrann Mathieu. Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Sports world reacts to Tyrann Mathieu's surprising retirement

By Steve DelVecchio | Last updated Jul 22, 2025 5:32 PM ET

New Orleans Saints defensive back Tyrann Mathieu made the surprising decision on Tuesday to retire, and the tributes from the NFL world immediately began pouring in.

Mathieu has called it a career after 12 seasons, the last three of which were spent with the Saints. The 33-year-old issued a statement and described his journey from college to the NFL as "nothing short of a blessing."

Tyrann Mathieu has announced his retirement from the NFL: pic.twitter.com/8vgHs646wI
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 22, 2025

Mathieu was one of the most respected players in the NFL, and the reactions to his retirement announcement were an illustration of that. Several current and former players took to social media to share kind words about the "Honey Badger."

He was must see TV for me on Saturdays in high school really for all of us. In my generation we never really seen anyone like him. Through all the adversity he gave us a show everytime. What a honor to call him a teammate. Five a 7th ward legend https://t.co/TEaPnWToho
— Michael Thomas (@Cantguardmike) July 22, 2025

The Honey Badger played the game the right way and always put on for NOLA.
Incredible career my brother @Mathieu_Era https://t.co/P6dk2vw90f
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) July 22, 2025

wow! Congrats @Mathieu_Era
You a real deal legend! https://t.co/xCx1ufxPhd
— Jalen Ramsey (@jalenramsey) July 22, 2025

Game is gonna miss him.

Just an absolutely phenomenal football run from the Honey Badger.. Thanks for everything you’ve done for the game and for our entertainment.

WE APPRECIATE YOU @Mathieu_Era https://t.co/TxBeq3nB3c
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) July 22, 2025

Many members of the media also shared their positive feelings about Mathieu.

I’ve covered sports for a long time. Many have tried to define “greatness.” Here’s the best explanation I’ve come up with:

Greatness is making the extraordinary seem ordinary.

Tyrann Mathieu was the embodiment of that at LSU. Nothing like I’ve ever seen before or since.…
— Matt Moscona (@MattMoscona) July 22, 2025

We'll miss Tyrann Mathieu in the locker room. One of those guys who really respected the job we do and would take the time to explain the game. That kind of stuff makes us all smarter and better watchers of the game.

Not a lot of guys willing to take the time the way he did.
— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill) July 22, 2025

Tyrann Mathieu is among the most enjoyable (and approachable) athletes I've covered. He forever changed the culture of the Chiefs defense. Wish him the best. https://t.co/mmMDuN2QAN
— Sam McDowell (@SamMcDowell11) July 22, 2025

Mathieu was selected to the Pro Bowl three times and named a First-team All-Pro three times. He was also one of the best players in college football during his two seasons at LSU in 2010 and 2011.

Despite being dismissed from LSU for off-field issues in 2012, Mathieu remains a Tigers legend. The LSU football team also shared a tribute to the former SEC Defensive Player of the Year.

There will only be one Tyrann Mathieu.

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

Mathieu began his career with the Arizona Cardinals. He also had brief stints with the Houston Texans and Kansas City Chiefs and won a Super Bowl with the latter. Mathieu finishes his career with 838 total tackles, 100 passes defended and 36 interceptions.

Though he retired a bit sooner than expected, a strong case can be made for Mathieu to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Steve DelVecchio

Steve is a veteran writer who has covered a variety of sports and pop culture topics for more than 15 years. In addition to Yardbarker, his work has been featured on prominent digital publications including Larry Brown Sports, MSN and FOX Sports. The UConn graduate has published more than 40,000 stories and is one of the most experienced trending news writers in the country

More must-reads: