Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Tyrann Mathieu

Discover the career path of Tyrann Mathieu, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Tyrann Devine Mathieu, an American football safety for the New Orleans Saints, gained prominence playing college football for the LSU Tigers. Known as "the Honey Badger," he set an SEC record for forced fumbles. His outstanding sophomore season earned him consensus All-American honors and the Chuck Bednarik Award. He was also a Heisman Trophy finalist. However, he was dismissed from the LSU program following that season due to violating team rules.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

2010: Patrick Peterson wins the Chuck Bednarik Award

In 2010, Patrick Peterson won the Chuck Bednarik Award. In 2011, Mathieu was awarded the Chuck Bednarik Award, given to the year's best defensive player in college football. This marked the second straight year an LSU defensive player won the nation's top defensive honor following Patrick Peterson in 2010.

December 8, 2011: Awarded the Chuck Bednarik Award

On December 8, 2011, Tyrann Mathieu was awarded the Chuck Bednarik Award, recognizing him as the best defensive player in college football. This marked the second consecutive year an LSU defensive player won the nation's top defensive honor.

November 29, 2012: Announcement to Enter NFL Draft

On November 29, 2012, Tyrann Mathieu announced his decision to enter the NFL draft, marking a significant step towards his professional football career.

February 26, 2013: Participated at the NFL Scouting Combine

On February 26, 2013, Tyrann Mathieu participated in the 2013 NFL Scouting Combine. He ran a 4.50 40-yard dash, had 4 reps of 225 pounds, a 34-inch vertical, and a 117-inch broad jump.

March 27, 2013: Participated at his pro day

On March 27, 2013, Tyrann Mathieu participated at his pro day.

March 28, 2013: Attended LSU's Pro Day

On March 28, 2013, Tyrann Mathieu attended LSU's pro day, but chose to stand on his combine numbers and only performed positional drills.

April 26, 2013: Cardinals head coach Announces Mathieu would be playing Free Safety

On April 26, 2013, it was reported that Cardinals' head coach Bruce Arians stated that Mathieu would be playing free safety although it was widely expected he would play slot cornerback coming out of college.

May 23, 2013: Signed with the Arizona Cardinals

On May 23, 2013, Tyrann Mathieu signed a four-year, $3.05 million contract with the Arizona Cardinals, securing his place in the NFL.

September 8, 2013: Professional Regular Season Debut

On September 8, 2013, Tyrann Mathieu made his professional regular season debut for the Arizona Cardinals against the St. Louis Rams, recording seven solo tackles and his first career forced fumble.

September 22, 2013: First Career Interception

On September 22, 2013, Tyrann Mathieu recorded his first career interception off a pass thrown by Drew Brees during a game against the New Orleans Saints.

October 6, 2013: First Career Sack

On October 6, 2013, Tyrann Mathieu recorded his first career sack on quarterback Cam Newton during a game against the Carolina Panthers.

December 10, 2013: Placed on Injured Reserve

On December 10, 2013, the Arizona Cardinals placed Tyrann Mathieu on injured reserve, officially ending his rookie season.

September 21, 2014: Season-High Six Combined Tackles

On September 21, 2014, Tyrann Mathieu collected a season-high six combined tackles during a win against the San Francisco 49ers.

November 2, 2014: Lone Interception of the Season

On November 2, 2014, Tyrann Mathieu recorded his lone interception of the season off a pass by Brandon Weeden during a win against the Dallas Cowboys.

2014: Patrick Peterson had two interceptions in a game

In 2014, Patrick Peterson had two interceptions in a game. The last time an Arizona Cardinal had two interceptions in a game was Patrick Peterson in Week 10, 2014. On September 27, 2015, Mathieu had five solo tackles, two pass deflections, and a career-high two interceptions

September 27, 2015: Career-High Two Interceptions and First Career Touchdown

On September 27, 2015, Tyrann Mathieu had a career-high two interceptions, including his first career touchdown, during a game against the San Francisco 49ers.

November 15, 2015: Intercepted a pass thrown by Russell Wilson

On November 15, 2015, Tyrann Mathieu intercepted a pass thrown by Russell Wilson during a win at the Seattle Seahawks.

August 2, 2016: Signed Contract Extension with Cardinals

On August 2, 2016, Tyrann Mathieu signed a five-year, $62.50 million contract extension with the Arizona Cardinals, securing his future with the team.

September 11, 2016: Season-High Seven Solo Tackles

On September 11, 2016, Tyrann Mathieu collected a season-high seven solo tackles during the Arizona Cardinals home-opener against the New England Patriots.

October 17, 2016: Interception Against the New York Jets

On October 17, 2016, Tyrann Mathieu had his only interception on a pass thrown by Geno Smith during a game against the New York Jets.

December 23, 2016: Placed on Injured Reserve

On December 23, 2016, the Arizona Cardinals officially placed Tyrann Mathieu on injured reserve, ending his 2016 season.

2016: NFL Top 100 Players Ranking

In 2016, Tyrann Mathieu was ranked 28th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players list, acknowledging his impact and skill in the league.

September 17, 2017: Interception against the Colts

On September 17, 2017, Tyrann Mathieu had 3 solo tackles, 2 pass deflections and intercepted a pass in overtime against the Indianapolis Colts. The Cardinals won 16-13 after a field goal.

November 26, 2017: Interception against the Jaguars

On November 26, 2017, Tyrann Mathieu had 4 solo tackles, 3 pass deflections and intercepted a pass against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Cardinals won 27-24.

March 14, 2018: Release from the Cardinals

On March 14, 2018, Tyrann Mathieu was released by the Arizona Cardinals after he refused to take a pay cut.

March 17, 2018: Signing with the Houston Texans

On March 17, 2018, Tyrann Mathieu signed a one-year, $7 million contract with the Houston Texans, including $6.5 million guaranteed and a $4.5 million signing bonus.

September 9, 2018: Interception against the Patriots

On September 9, 2018, in his debut with the Houston Texans, Tyrann Mathieu had 5 combined tackles, one pass deflection, recovered a fumble, and intercepted a pass against the New England Patriots in a 20-27 loss.

March 14, 2019: Signing with the Kansas City Chiefs

On March 14, 2019, Tyrann Mathieu signed a three-year, $42 million contract with the Kansas City Chiefs, including $26.8 million guaranteed and a $14.8 million signing bonus.

September 2019: Mathieu Dubbed "The Landlord"

In September 2019, prior to his regular season debut with the Chiefs, Tyrann Mathieu was renamed "The Landlord" by fans and teammates.

November 18, 2019: Interception against the Chargers

On November 18, 2019, Tyrann Mathieu had 8 combined tackles, a pass deflection and intercepted a pass against the Los Angeles Chargers in a 24-17 win.

December 29, 2019: Interception against the Chargers

On December 29, 2019, Tyrann Mathieu recorded 7 solo tackles, 2 pass deflections, and intercepted a pass against the Los Angeles Chargers in a 31-21 victory.

February 2, 2020: Super Bowl LIV

On February 2, 2020, Tyrann Mathieu started in Super Bowl LIV and made 6 combined tackles as the Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers 31-20, earning his first Super Bowl ring.

September 13, 2020: Season-high tackles against the Texans

On September 13, 2020, Tyrann Mathieu collected a season-high eight combined tackles during the Kansas City Chiefs' home-opener against the Houston Texans, which resulted in a 34-20 victory.

October 5, 2020: Interception returned for a touchdown against the Patriots

On October 5, 2020, Tyrann Mathieu recorded four solo tackles, broke up a pass, and returned an interception for a touchdown against the New England Patriots as the Chiefs won 26-10.

December 6, 2020: Two Interceptions against the Broncos

On December 6, 2020, Tyrann Mathieu had 6 combined tackles, 2 pass deflections, and tied his career-high with 2 interceptions against the Denver Broncos, securing a 22-16 win.

January 17, 2021: Interception against the Browns

On January 17, 2021, Tyrann Mathieu had 7 combined tackles, broke up a pass, and intercepted a pass against the Cleveland Browns during the Divisional Round of the playoffs, which the Chiefs won 22-17.

September 19, 2021: Touchdown against the Ravens

On September 19, 2021, Tyrann Mathieu had 6 combined tackles, 3 pass deflections, 2 interceptions, and scored a touchdown after returning an interception against the Baltimore Ravens in a 36-35 loss.

March 5, 2022: Meeting with the New Orleans Saints

On March 5, 2022, Tyrann Mathieu met with the New Orleans Saints during a trip to his hometown of New Orleans, Louisiana.

May 4, 2022: Signing with the New Orleans Saints

On May 4, 2022, Tyrann Mathieu signed a three-year, $28.3 million contract with the New Orleans Saints, including $18 million guaranteed and a $9.5 million signing bonus.

October 30, 2022: Interception against the Raiders

On October 30, 2022, Tyrann Mathieu had 5 combined tackles, 2 pass deflections, and intercepted a pass against the Las Vegas Raiders during a 24-0 win.

January 8, 2023: Interception against the Panthers

On January 8, 2023, Tyrann Mathieu had 8 combined tackles, a pass deflection, and intercepted a pass against the Carolina Panthers during a 7-10 loss.

October 8, 2023: Interception Returned for a Touchdown

On October 8, 2023, Tyrann Mathieu intercepted a pass and returned it for a touchdown during a 34-0 victory against the New England Patriots.

November 26, 2023: Two Interceptions against the Falcons

On November 26, 2023, Tyrann Mathieu had 4 combined tackles, 2 pass deflections, and tied his career-high of two interceptions against the Atlanta Falcons in a 15-24 loss.

March 7, 2024: Contract Extension with the Saints

On March 7, 2024, Tyrann Mathieu signed a two-year, $13.75 million contract extension with the New Orleans Saints, including $9 million guaranteed and a $5 million signing bonus.

September 22, 2024: Interception against the Eagles

On September 22, 2024, Tyrann Mathieu collected a season-high seven solo tackles, made one pass deflection, and intercepted a pass against the Philadelphia Eagles during a 12-15 loss.

November 4, 2024: Saints Fire Head Coach

On November 4, 2024, the New Orleans Saints announced the firing of head coach Dennis Allen after falling to a 2-7 record. Special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi was appointed the interim head coach.

November 10, 2024: Interception against the Falcons

On November 10, 2024, Tyrann Mathieu recorded 3 solo tackles, had 3 pass deflections, and intercepted a pass against the Atlanta Falcons as the Saints won 17-20.