History of Tyrann Mathieu in Timeline

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.

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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 for the New Orleans Saints in the NFL.

Others born on this day/year

1997: Adoption by Uncle and Aunt

In 1997, after the death of his grandfather, Tyrann Mathieu was adopted by his uncle, Tyrone Mathieu, and his aunt, Sheila Mathieu, providing him with a stable home environment.

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.

2010: Recruitment Ranking

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

September 2011: Mathieu Adopts "Honeybadger" Nickname

In September 2011, Tyrann Mathieu began using the nickname "the Honeybadger" after LSU Tigers' defensive coordinator John Chavis encouraged him to embrace it after noticing fans calling him that after a game against West Virginia.

October 19, 2011: Suspension for violation of drug policy

On October 19, 2011, Tyrann Mathieu was suspended for one game for violating LSU's drug policy.

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.

August 10, 2012: Dismissal from LSU Football Team

On August 10, 2012, LSU head coach Les Miles announced that Tyrann Mathieu was dismissed from the football team due to a violation of team rules.

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, seeking help and a path towards recovery.

September 4, 2012: Enrollment in Fall Semester Classes

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

October 25, 2012: Arrested on Possession of Marijuana

On October 25, 2012, Tyrann Mathieu and three other LSU former players were arrested on possession of marijuana.

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 10, 2013: Wants to Remove Association With 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.

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 8, 2013: Leg Injury

On December 8, 2013, Tyrann Mathieu exited the game against the St. Louis Rams 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.

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.

November 30, 2014: Thumb Injury

On November 30, 2014, Tyrann Mathieu exited the game against the Atlanta Falcons after sustaining a thumb injury that required surgery.

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.

December 20, 2015: ACL Tear During Interception

On December 20, 2015, Tyrann Mathieu sealed a win against the Philadelphia Eagles with an interception but unfortunately tore his ACL during the play, causing him to miss the last two games of the season.

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.

January 19, 2020: AFC Championship Game

On January 19, 2020, Tyrann Mathieu had 9 combined tackles and broke up a pass in the AFC Championship game against the Tennessee Titans, which the Chiefs won 35-24.

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.

February 7, 2021: Super Bowl LV

On February 7, 2021, Tyrann Mathieu started in Super Bowl LV and recorded three combined tackles as the Chiefs lost 9-31 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He also had a verbal altercation with Tom Brady during the game.

September 1, 2021: Placed on COVID-19/reserve list

On September 1, 2021, Tyrann Mathieu tested positive for COVID-19 and was placed on the COVID-19/reserve list.

September 11, 2021: Activated off COVID-19/reserve list

On September 11, 2021, Tyrann Mathieu was activated off the COVID-19/reserve list.

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.

January 30, 2022: AFC Championship Game Loss

On January 30, 2022, Tyrann Mathieu started in the AFC Championship Game and made five solo tackles as the Chiefs lost 24-27 in overtime to the Cincinnati Bengals.

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.