NEW ORLEANS — Saints security Tyrann Mathieu introduced his retirement Tuesday on the eve of the staff’s first coaching camp follow.
Mathieu’s announcement got here as a shock after he attended the staff’s veteran minicamp. Mathieu, 33, retires after 12 seasons within the NFL and three seasons in New Orleans.
“As I dangle up my cleats, I am stuffed with a gratitude as I shut this chapter of my life and formally retire from the sport that is formed me in each approach,” Mathieu wrote on social media Tuesday.
Mathieu, who earned the nickname “The Honey Badger” whereas taking part in at LSU, was recognized for his skill to drive turnovers. He had 7 pressured fumbles, 8 fumble recoveries, 11 sacks and 36 interceptions in his NFL profession.
Mathieu was a third-round draft choose for the Arizona Cardinals in 2013 and spent the primary 5 seasons of his profession there earlier than signing with the Houston Texans. He additionally performed for the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs from 2019 to 2021 and was a part of Kansas Metropolis’s Tremendous Bowl LIV-winning staff.
Mathieu was named a first-team All-Professional thrice and went to 3 Professional Bowls.