Childhood and Education Journey of Tyrann Mathieu in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 23, 2025

An overview of the childhood and early education of Tyrann Mathieu, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Tyrann Mathieu, nicknamed "the Honey Badger," is a professional American football safety currently playing for the New Orleans Saints in the NFL. He gained prominence as a defensive player for the LSU Tigers, where he set an SEC record for forced fumbles. His outstanding performance in his sophomore year earned him consensus All-American honors, the Chuck Bednarik Award, and Heisman Trophy finalist recognition. However, his college career was cut short after being dismissed from the LSU football program for violating team rules.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

May 13, 1992: Tyrann Mathieu's Birth

On May 13, 1992, Tyrann Devine Mathieu was born. He later became a professional football safety in the NFL.

Others born on this day/year

1997: Adopted by his uncle and aunt

In 1997, after his grandfather died, Tyrann Mathieu was adopted by his uncle, Tyrone Mathieu, and aunt, Sheila Mathieu.

2010: Attended Louisiana State University

In 2010, Tyrann Mathieu accepted an athletic scholarship to attend Louisiana State University (LSU) and played for the LSU Tigers football team.

2010: Ranked as a four-star recruit

In 2010, Tyrann Mathieu was considered a four-star recruit by Rivals.com and was listed as the No. 13 cornerback in the nation.

September 2011: Origin of the "Honeybadger" nickname

In September 2011, Tyrann Mathieu began going by the moniker "the Honeybadger" after a game against West Virginia. The nickname originated when LSU Tigers' defensive coordinator John Chavis saw fans calling Mathieu "the Honeybadger" on sites and on the bus after playing West Virginia and suggested he use it.

2011: Played for LSU Tigers

In 2011, Tyrann Mathieu continued to play football for the LSU Tigers.

August 17, 2012: Entered drug rehabilitation program

On August 17, 2012, Tyrann Mathieu withdrew from LSU and entered a drug rehabilitation program in Houston, Texas.

September 4, 2012: Enrolled for fall semester classes

On September 4, 2012, Tyrann Mathieu ended his withdrawal and enrolled for fall semester classes.

May 10, 2013: Expressed desire to remove "Honey Badger" nickname

On May 10, 2013, Tyrann Mathieu stated during an interview that he wanted to remove himself from any association with his "Honey Badger" nickname.

December 8, 2013: Suffered season-ending leg injury

On December 8, 2013, Tyrann Mathieu exited the Cardinals' game with a leg injury, later determined to be a torn ACL and LCL.

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.

November 30, 2014: Sustained thumb injury

On November 30, 2014, Tyrann Mathieu made three combined tackles in the Cardinals' loss against the Atlanta Falcons and exited the game after sustaining a thumb injury.

December 20, 2015: Tore his ACL during interception

On December 20, 2015, Tyrann Mathieu made five combined tackles and sealed a win against the Philadelphia Eagles with a fourth-quarter interception. However, he tore his ACL during the interception and missed the last two games of the season.

September 2019: New Nickname: The Landlord

In September 2019, prior to his regular season debut with the Kansas City Chiefs, Tyrann Mathieu was renamed "The Landlord" by fans and teammates, referencing his role in collecting the rent, implying he was making big plays on the field.