Tyrann Mathieu has announced his retirement from the NFL after a 12-year career marked by numerous accolades and contributions to various teams. The decorated safety will be remembered for his exceptional play, leadership, and impact on the game.
Mathieu’s career began with uncertainty but eventually led to three first-team All-Pro selections, three Pro Bowl nods, and a Super Bowl win with the Chiefs. He was also named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s All-Decade Team for the 2010s, indicating his future induction into the Hall of Fame.
A consensus All-American at LSU, Mathieu was drafted by Arizona in the third round in 2013 but reaped significant rewards, including a Defensive Rookie of the Year nomination and an All-Pro selection. He found success with the Chiefs under Steve Spagnuolo’s defense before joining his home-state Saints in 2022.
Although his recent performance was underwhelming, Mathieu will be remembered for his remarkable career, which took him to multiple teams and earned him a reputation as one of the greatest safeties in NFL history. The Saints’ defense is now facing an unexpected void, but they will look to add a new safety through free agency or the draft.
General manager Mickey Loomis expressed respect for Mathieu’s accomplishments and acknowledged his legendary status in Louisiana football. With the retirement, the Saints are now in a transitional period after changing coaches early in 2025. They have drafted Virginia safety Jonas Sanker, who will be given an opportunity to earn a starting job, while also exploring options to add another defensive back to the roster.
Veteran safeties Justin Simmons and Julian Blackmon are available, as is Quandre Diggs, who is fully cleared from a previous foot injury. The Saints must act quickly to fill the void created by Mathieu’s retirement, with expectations being low for the team this season.
Source: https://www.nfl.com/news/saints-safety-tyrann-mathieu-retiring-after-12-seasons