Saints' Mathieu retires on eve of training camp

NEW ORLEANS -- Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement Tuesday on the eve of the team's first training camp practice.

Mathieu's announcement came as a surprise after he attended the team's veteran minicamp. Mathieu, 33, retires after 12 seasons in the NFL and three seasons in New Orleans.

"As I hang up my cleats, I'm filled with a gratitude as I close this chapter of my life and officially retire from the game that's shaped me in every way," Mathieu wrote on social media Tuesday. "From my first snap in college to my final play in the NFL, this journey has been nothing short of a blessing. Football gave me purpose, discipline, and memories that will stay with me forever. But more than anything, it gave me a community."

Mathieu's retirement prompted a flurry of well wishes from former teammates, including former LSU and Arizona Cardinals teammate Patrick Peterson.

"What a journey it has been for the both of us!" Peterson, who also retired this year, wrote on his Instagram account. "For us to have that same mentality, hunger, and drive to be the best version of ourselves was a treat in itself. Enjoy retirement love ya! #jobwelldonebabybro."

Mathieu, who earned the nickname "Honey Badger" while playing at LSU, was known for his ability to force turnovers. He had 7 forced fumbles, 8 fumble recoveries, 11 sacks and 36 interceptions in his NFL career.

Mathieu was a third-round draft pick for the Cardinals in 2013 and spent the first five seasons of his career there before signing with the Houston Texans. He also played for the Kansas City Chiefs from 2019 to 2021 and was part of Kansas City's Super Bowl LIV-winning team.

Mathieu was named a first-team All-Pro three times and went to three Pro Bowls.

Saints general Manager Mickey Loomis said Mathieu's decision to retire came about recently, and that he didn't try to talk him out of it.

"He's a legendary Louisiana player, legendary NFL player. I really appreciate his time with us. He was fantastic," Loomis said. "I don't have enough good things to say about him. ... I just wish him all the best."

Mathieu, a Louisiana native, played for LSU for two seasons and had 4 interceptions, 6 sacks, 16 pass deflections, eight fumble recoveries and 11 forced fumbles. He also had two punts returned for touchdowns in his sophomore season.

Mathieu was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Year, won the Chuck Bednarik Award and was a Heisman Trophy finalist as a sophomore. He was dismissed from the team before the 2012 season and opted to enter the NFL draft the following spring.

Mathieu, who said he hopes to get into coaching one day, has maintained a close relationship with LSU despite his dismissal and donated $1 million to the school in 2016. LSU renamed the players' lounge after him the following year.