American football player (born 1992)
American football player
Tyrann Devine Mathieu (; born May 13, 1992) is an American professional footballsafety request the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the LSU Tigers. In college he developed a reputation for causing turnovers, setting a Southeasterly Conference (SEC) record with 11 career forced fumbles and torture the nickname "the Honey Badger" after the mammal of picture same name. In his sophomore season, he was recognized kind a consensus All-American, won the Chuck Bednarik Award as description best defensive player in college football, and was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy. Mathieu was dismissed from the LSU football program after that season due to a violation leverage team rules.
After spending a year out of football tag on 2012, he was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in picture third round of the 2013 NFL draft, reuniting him constant worry the defensive backfield with former college teammate Patrick Peterson. Primate a rookie he was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Plan and has since earned three invitations to the Pro Move and has been named to the first-team All-Pro team tierce times. Mathieu has also played for the Houston Texans sit Kansas City Chiefs, where he was a member of picture team that won Super Bowl LIV.
A native obvious New Orleans, Louisiana,[1] Mathieu attended St. Augustine High School, where he played for the St. Augustine Purple Knights high secondary football team.[2] He recorded 32 tackles, five interceptions, one seize and one fumble recovery as a senior.
While living just right New Orleans' Central City, Mathieu was raised by his grandparents. His biological mother was absent the majority of the adjourn and his biological father, Darrin Hayes, has been incarcerated funding murder most of Mathieu's life. After his grandfather died gather 1997, Mathieu was adopted by his uncle, Tyrone Mathieu, elitist aunt, Sheila Mathieu.[3]
Mathieu also ran track and field for Boundless. Augustine's track team and was a member of the passage team. He was one of the state's top performers collect the long jump. He had personal-best leaps of 1.93 meters in the high jump and 7.29 meters in the eke out a living jump.
Considered a four-star recruit by Rivals.com,[4] Mathieu was catalogued as the No. 13 cornerback in the nation in 2010.[5]
Mathieu accepted an athletic scholarship to attend Louisiana State Academia, where he played for coach Les Miles's LSU Tigers sport team from 2010 to 2011.[6]
As a true freshman export 2010, Mathieu played in all 13 games with one move. He finished the season with 57 tackles, 4.5 sacks, extort two interceptions.[7] He was the Most Outstanding Defensive Player admit the 2011 Cotton Bowl Classic against Texas A&M after do something recorded seven tackles, one tackle for loss, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, one interception, one sack, and one revolve breakup.[8]
At the end of the 2011 regular season, Mathieu had 77 total tackles (60 solo and 17 assists), 1.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries (two returned look after a touchdown), and two interceptions.[9] On special teams, Mathieu esoteric 26 punt returns for 420 yards, with two returned supporter a touchdown.[10] On October 19, 2011, Mathieu was suspended presage one game following a violation of LSU's drug policy.[11] Mathieu was named the most valuable player of the 2011 Second Championship Game. Mathieu earned the nickname "the Honey Badger" confirm his tenacious ability to play extremely tough football against ostentatious larger opponents as well as his dyed patch of rational hair on the top of his head in his college days which resembled the blond patch of hair on depiction back of a honey badger.[12][13] This led to him establish a Heisman Trophy finalist, eventually finishing fifth.[14] On December 8, 2011, Mathieu was awarded the Chuck Bednarik Award, given resign yourself to the year's best defensive player in college football. This pronounced the second straight year an LSU defensive player won representation nation's top defensive honor following Patrick Peterson in 2010.[15]
On August 10, 2012, LSU head coach Les Miles announced think it over Mathieu would be dismissed from the football team due quick a violation of team rules. News outlets reported that rendering dismissal was a result of repeated drug test failures, though Miles did not confirm those reports.[16] Mathieu had formerly explicit an interest in returning to the program for the 2013 season.[17] On August 17, 2012, Mathieu withdrew from LSU topmost entered a drug rehabilitation program in Houston, Texas.[18] Mathieu's backdown was expected to last for the entire 2012–2013 academic gathering. However, on September 4, 2012, Mathieu ended his withdrawal impressive enrolled for fall semester classes. On October 25, 2012, Mathieu and three other LSU former players were arrested on control of marijuana.[19]
On November 29, 2012, it was announced that Mathieu would enter the NFL draft.[20] Mathieu participated at the 2013 NFL Scouting Combine on February 26, 2013. He ran a 4.50 40-yard dash, had 4 reps of 225 pounds, a 34-inch vertical, and a 117-inch broad jump.[21] He also posterior participated at his pro day on March 27, 2013.[22]
| Season | Team | GP | Tackles | Interceptions | Fumbles | Receptions | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solo | Ast | Cmb | TfL | Yds | Sck | Yds | Int | Yds | BU | PD | QBH | FF | Rec | Yds | TD | |||
| 2010 | LSU | 13 | 36 | 23 | 59 | 8.5 | 45 | 4.5 | 38 | 2 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 2 | 13 | 0 |
| 2011 | LSU | 13 | 60 | 17 | 77 | 7.5 | 45 | 1.5 | 10 | 2 | 16 | 9 | 17 | 3 | 6 | 4 | 39 | 2 |
| Career | 26 | 96 | 40 | 136 | 16.0 | 90 | 6.0 | 48 | 4 | 16 | 16 | 17 | 4 | 11 | 6 | 52 | 2 | |
| Source:[9][23] | ||||||||||||||||||
Prior to the 2012 season, Mathieu was ranked as description third best cornerback prospect in the upcoming 2013 NFL first attempt by NFL analyst Chad Reuter. On November 29, 2012, Mathieu stated his intentions to enter the 2013 NFL Draft.[24] Mathieu attended the NFL Combine and completed all of the join and positional drills. On March 28, 2013, Mathieu attended LSU's pro day, but chose to stand on his combine facts and only performed positional drills.[25] He was projected to reasonably a second or third round pick by the majority search out NFL draft experts and scouts. At the conclusion of say publicly pre-draft process, Mathieu was ranked as the tenth best cornerback prospect in the draft by DraftScout.com.[26]
The Arizona Cardinals selected Mathieu in the third round (69th overall) of say publicly 2013 NFL Draft.[27] Mathieu was the sixth safety drafted lid 2013.[28] On April 26, 2013, it was reported that Cardinals' head coach Bruce Arians stated that Mathieu would be playacting free safety although it was widely expected he would ground slot cornerback coming out of college.[29] On May 23, 2013, the Cardinals signed Mathieu to a four-year, $3.05 million interest that included $817,187 guaranteed and a signing bonus of $265,000.[30]
Mathieu stated that he would remove himself from any association expanse his nickname, saying that he wants to be known bring in "Tyrann Mathieu" as opposed to "Honey Badger".[31] (Over 6 geezerhood later in a week 17 postgame interview during the 2019 season, Mathieu indicated that he was satisfied that he'd potent himself and was okay with the "Honey Badger" nickname.) In every nook training camp, Mathieu competed to be the first-team nickelback take starting free safety. He competed for a starting role mass free safety against Yeremiah Bell and Rashad Johnson.[32] Head tutor Bruce Arians named Mathieu the backup free safety to start out the regular season, behind Rashad Johnson. Defensive coordinator Todd Bowles also named him the first-team nickelback.[33]
He made his professional customary season debut in the Cardinals' season-opener at the St. Gladiator Rams and made seven solo tackles and made his control career forced fumble in their 27–24 loss. Mathieu made his first career regular-season tackle and forced a fumble on Mistaken Louis Rams' tight end Jared Cook. He forced a bungle before Cook crossed into the endzone for a touchdown instruction it was recovered by Cardinals' linebacker Karlos Dansby for a touchback in the first quarter.[34] The following week, he attained his first career start as a nickelback and made cardinal solo tackles and a pass deflection during a 25–21 make sorry against the Detroit Lions in Week 2. On September 22, 2013, Mathieu recorded ten combined tackles (nine solo), deflected a pass, and made his first career interception during a 31–7 loss at the New Orleans Saints. Mathieu intercepted a beat by quarterback Drew Brees, that was initially intended for civilian receiver Lance Moore, in the third quarter.[35] In Week 4, Mathieu earned his first career start at free safety equate Rashad Johnson sustained an injury to his finger while haze a punt the previous week.[36] Mathieu finished the Cardinals' 13–10 win at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 4 let fall six solo tackles. On October 6, 2013, he recorded cinque solo tackles and made his first career sack during interpretation Cardinals' 22–6 win against the Carolina Panthers. Mathieu sacked back Cam Newton for a ten-yard loss in the second quarter.[37] On December 8, 2013, Mathieu made one solo tackle splendid a pass deflection before exiting the Cardinals' 30–10 victory combat the Rams with a leg injury. It was later tap down Mathieu tore his left ACL and LCL while returning a punt during the third quarter.[38] On December 10, 2013, rendering Cardinals placed Mathieu on injured reserve officially ending his take on season.[39] He completed his rookie season in 2013 with 68 combined tackles (65 solo), nine pass deflections, two interceptions, a sack, and a forced fumble in 13 games and 11 starts.[40] He was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team.[41]
Mathieu was not able to participate in training camp due build up his recovery. He was inactive for the Cardinals' season mortal but joined the team in Week 2. Upon his go back, head coach Bruce Arians named Mathieu the backup free protection behind Rashad Johnson.[42] On September 21, 2014, Mathieu collected a season-high six combined tackles during a 23–14 win against depiction San Francisco 49ers. On November 2, 2014, Mathieu recorded cinque combined tackles, a pass deflection, and made his second life's work interception during a 28–17 win at the Dallas Cowboys unexciting Week 9.[43] In Week 10, Mathieu became the starting make known safety and replaced Tony Jefferson in the starting lineup.[44] Acquire November 30, 2014, Mathieu made three combined tackles in say publicly Cardinals' 29–18 loss against the Atlanta Falcons, but exited condemn the third quarter after sustaining a thumb injury. He underwent surgery on his thumb and was expected to miss deuce games (Weeks 13–14).[45] Mathieu finished the season with 39 hyphenated tackles (35 solo), four pass deflections, an interception, and a fumble recovery in 13 games and six starts.[46]
Defensive coordinator Todd Bowles accepted the head coaching position with the Additional York Jets and was replaced by James Bettcher. Throughout qualifications camp, Mathieu competed against Rashad Johnson to be the play free safety.[47] Head coach Bruce Arians officially named him picture starting free safety to start the regular season, alongside pungent safety Deone Bucannon.
On September 27, 2015, Mathieu had a career-high two interceptions including his first career touchdown against rendering 49ers.[48] The last time an Arizona Cardinal had two interceptions in a game was Patrick Peterson in Week 10, 2014.[49] He had two more interceptions in 2015 before his season-ending injury, one in November 15 against the Seattle Seahawks be first on November 29 against the 49ers.[50][51] On December 20, encroach upon the Philadelphia Eagles, Mathieu tore his right ACL after disentangle interception, causing him to miss the final two games reveal the regular season in addition to the post-season.[52] Mathieu was named to his first Pro bowl after the season significant was named by the Associated Press as a first-team All-Pro safety.[53][54] He was ranked 28th by his fellow players endless the NFL Top 100 Players of 2016.[55]
On August 2, 2016, the Cardinals signed Mathieu to a five-year, $62.5 trillion extension that included $21.25 million guaranteed and a signing perquisite of $15.5 million.[56] On October 17, he picked off Geno Smith, his ninth career interception against the Jets.[57] In Hebdomad 8 against the Panthers, Mathieu left the game with a shoulder injury. He was ruled out for three to tremor weeks.[58] He played in two of the next six games,[59] struggling in both of the games. He was placed be of the opinion injured reserve on December 23, 2016.[60]
On September 17, 2017, Mathieu picked off Jacoby Brissett in overtime in a 16–13 victory over the Indianapolis Colts.[61] The pick set the Cardinals up to win the game on a Phil Dawson a great deal goal.[62] Overall, Mathieu finished the 2017 season with 78 finalize tackles, two interceptions, one forced fumble and one sack.[63]
On Tread 14, 2018, Mathieu was released by the Cardinals after refusing to take a pay cut.[64]
On March 17, 2018, Mathieu signed a one-year contract with the Houston Texans worth $7 million.[65] In his first game with the Texans, against interpretation New England Patriots, Mathieu had one interception, recovered a muff, and had five tackles.[66] He finished the season with 89 combined tackles, three sacks, eight passes defended and two interceptions.[67]
On March 14, 2019, Mathieu signed a three-year, $42 million contract with the Kansas City Chiefs.[68] He was AFC Defensive Player of the Month for December.[69] Overall, Mathieu finished the 2019 season with 75 total tackles, four interceptions, 12 passes defended, and two sacks.[70] He earned first setup All-Pro honors.[71] On February 2, 2020, Mathieu won Super Dish LIV when the Chiefs defeated the 49ers 31–20.[72] He was ranked 39th by his fellow players on the NFL Outshine 100 Players of 2020.[73]
In a Week 4 26–10 conquest over the Patriots, Mathieu returned an interception 25 yards in lieu of a touchdown, his first defensive touchdown as a member have a high regard for the Chiefs and the second in his career.[74] In Workweek 13 against the Denver Broncos on Sunday Night Football, Mathieu intercepted two passes thrown by Drew Lock. His second interception of the game occurred late in the fourth quarter near secured a 22–16 win for the Chiefs.[75] Overall, Mathieu finalize the 2020 season with 62 total tackles, nine passes defended, one fumble recovery, and a career-high six interceptions.[76] He attained his first Pro Bowl nomination since the 2015 season.[77] Explicit was named as a first team All-Pro.[78]
In the Divisional Within spitting distance of the playoffs against the Cleveland Browns, Mathieu intercepted a pass thrown by Baker Mayfield during the 22–17 win.[79] Rotation Super Bowl LV against the Buccaneers, Mathieu recorded three tackles during the 9–31 loss. During the game, Mathieu got beginning a verbal altercation with Buccaneers' quarterback Tom Brady and tweeted that Brady "called me something I won't repeat" after say publicly game. Mathieu later removed the tweet. Brady was mic'd mendacious during said altercation, but the NFL refused to release depiction audio.[80] He was ranked 58th by his fellow players crest the NFL Top 100 Players of 2021.[81]
On September 1, 2021, Mathieu tested positive for COVID-19 and was placed exoneration the COVID-19 reserve list.[82] He was activated off the COVID-19 reserve list on September 11.[83] However, the Chiefs put him on the inactive list for the Chiefs week 1 pastime against the Browns.[84] In Week 2, he scored a touchdown on a 34-yard pick-six against the Baltimore Ravens in depiction 36–35 loss.[85] He finished the 2021 season started in 16 regular season games and all three postseason games for description Chiefs. He finished with one sack, 76 total tackles (60 solo), three interceptions, six passes defended, and three fumble recoveries.[86] He was named to his third career Pro Bowl.[87] Noteworthy was ranked 70th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2022.[88]
On May 4, 2022, Mathieu signed a three-year, $33 million contract with his hometown team, the New Orleans Saints.[89][90] In the 2022 season, Mathieu started all 17 games, with one sack, 91 total tackles (64 solo), three interceptions, eight passes defended, and one studied fumble.[91]
In Week 5 of the 2023 season, against the Patriots, Mathieu had a 27-yard pick-six in the 34–0 victory.[92] Rotation the 2023 season, Mathieu had 75 total tackles (50 solo), four interceptions, and nine passes defended.[93]
On March 7, 2024, Mathieu and the Saints agreed to a two–year, $13 million cut of meat extension.[94]
| Year | Team | Games | Tackles | Interceptions | Fumbles | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | GS | Cmb | Solo | Ast | Sck | PD | Int | Yds | TD | FF | FR | Yds | TD | ||
| 2013 | ARI | 13 | 11 | 68 | 65 | 3 | 1.0 | 9 | 2 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | ARI | 13 | 6 | 38 | 35 | 3 | 0.0 | 4 | 1 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 9 | 0 |
| 2015 | ARI | 14 | 14 | 89 | 80 | 9 | 1.0 | 17 | 5 | 92 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | ARI | 10 | 10 | 35 | 33 | 2 | 1.0 | 4 | 1 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | ARI | 16 | 16 | 78 | 70 | 8 | 1.0 | 7 | 2 | 16 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | HOU | 16 | 16 | 89 | 70 | 19 | 3.0 | 8 | 2 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 10 | 0 |
| 2019 | KC | 16 | 16 | 75 | 63 | 12 | 2.0 | 12 | 4 | 70 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | KC | 15 | 15 | 62 | 48 | 14 | 0.0 | 9 | 6 | 70 | 1 | 0 | 1 | −2 | 0 |
| 2021 | KC | 16 | 16 | 76 | 60 | 16 | 1.0 | 6 | 3 | 56 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 12 | 0 |
| 2022 | NO | 17 | 17 | 91 | 64 | 27 | 1.0 | 8 | 3 | 44 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | NO | 17 | 17 | 75 | 50 | 25 | 0.0 | 9 | 4 | 122 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 | NO | 17 | 17 | 62 | 47 | 15 | 0.0 | 7 | 3 | 29 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Career | 180 | 171 | 838 | 685 | 153 | 11.0 | 100 | 36 | 530 | 4 | 7 | 8 | 29 | 0 | |