Tyrann Mathieu retires after 12 seasons
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement Tuesday after 12 NFL seasons.
"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 posted on social media.
Tyrann Mathieu has announced his retirement from the @NFL 🫡 pic.twitter.com/QgjgYAnOUu
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) July 22, 2025
Mathieu's pro career began in 2013 after he was selected in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft. He was known as "The Honey Badger" during his collegiate career at LSU for his knack at making plays on defense, and he entered the league as a high-upside talent in the defensive secondary.
Mathieu spent the first five seasons of his career with the Arizona Cardinals before joining the Houston Texans in 2018. He went on to play for the Kansas City Chiefs, capturing his lone championship victory as part of the team's Super Bowl LIV roster.
The New Orleans native then signed with the Saints before the 2022 campaign. He recorded 228 tackles, one sack, and 10 interceptions over three seasons with his hometown team.
Saints general manager Mickey Loomis revealed that the team had some advanced notice about Mathieu's decision but was still surprised after he attended the team's mandatory minicamp in June. "We really appreciate his time with us; he was fantastic," Loomis said, according to ESPN's Erin Summers.
New Orleans is signing free-agent safety Julian Blackmon in the wake of Mathieu's retirement, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The former Indianapolis Colts defensive back has 10 career interceptions, including seven over the last two seasons.
Mathieu was named a first-team All-Pro member three times and earned three Pro Bowl nods during his NFL tenure. He tallied 36 interceptions, 11 sacks, and seven forced fumbles during his illustrious career.