The honey badger is hanging it up.
Tyrann Mathieu, a 33-year-old safety, shared his retirement announcement on Instagram Tuesday, just ahead of the Saints’ Open Training Camp.
“As I put away my cleats, I close this chapter of my life and officially retire from the game that has shaped me,” Mathieu expressed. “From my first snap in college to my last play in the NFL, this journey has been a blessing. Football has given me purpose, discipline, and unforgettable memories, but more than anything, it has offered me community.”
“I want to thank all the coaches who believed in me, my teammates who battled alongside me, and the fans who showed up, cheered, and stood by me through all the ups and downs.”
Mathieu’s retirement comes just a month after he addressed the media at a mini-camp in New Orleans and shortly after Kellen Moore was named the new head coach, stepping in for the recently let go Dennis Allen.
“I’m a bit surprised, although there were some hints coming,” said Saints general manager Mickey Loomis on Tuesday. “I truly admire Tyrann and what he’s accomplished. He’s a legendary player from Louisiana and in the NFL. I’m thankful for the time we had together; his career has been remarkable.”
Throughout his career, Mathieu also played for the Cardinals, Texans, and Chiefs, securing three first-team All-Pro selections as well as three Pro Bowl nods. He achieved a Super Bowl win with the Chiefs in 2019, marking the culmination of his third NFL stage that began in 2013, which followed some behavioral issues during his college years at LSU.
In a similar vein, legendary tight end Jimmy Graham also announced his retirement from football.
“What a journey,” Graham wrote on X, reflecting on his career.
Graham, who was drafted by the Saints in 2010, has not been an active member of the team since 2023. During his first five years with New Orleans, he established himself as a standout tight end, racking up 4,752 yards and 51 touchdowns, though he struggled to recapture that success with the Seahawks, Packers, and Bears in subsequent years.
Recently, Graham made headlines for completing a 584-mile Arctic rowing challenge, successfully finishing the arduous task in just ten days.
