Cardinals' Mathieu says he wants to remain with team for rest of career

Arizona Cardinals safety Tyrann Mathieu stated that he wants to remain with his current club for the remainder of his career.

Mathieu was a leading Defensive Player of the Year candidate before tearing his ACL in a Week 15 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.

"Obviously, I love this team, I love this locker room, I love the coaching staff, upper management," Mathieu said via the Cardinals' official website. "I think this is the perfect place for me. I wouldn't mind spending the rest of my life here."

Mathieu recorded 89 tackles, five interceptions, a forced fumble, and a sack in 14 games, emerging as one of the league's preeminent safeties.

The Cardinals star previously tore his ACL in 2013, and is weary of making a hasty return to action.

"The first time I was kind of rushing it," Mathieu said. "I wanted to get back so fast I didn't come back quite how I wanted to. Now I want to take my time with this, so I can come back 100 percent and not have one of those 2014 seasons."

With the Cardinals poised to contend for a Super Bowl for the foreseeable future, Mathieu will likely be a core component of the club for years to come.