tyrann mathieu honey badger saints retires.

New Orleans safety Tyrann Mathieu announced on the day the Saints opened training camp that he’s retiring from the NFL after 12 seasons. The three-time All-Pro was known as the “Honey Badger” for the relentless play in college that made him a Heisman Trophy finalist. The 33-year-old Mathieu grew up in New Orleans and went to LSU. In college, his toughness earned comparisons to the honey badger, a carnivorous mammal known to fight off much larger predators like lions and hyena. In 12 NFL seasons with Cardinals, Texans, Chiefs and Saints, Mathieu intercepted 36 passes, running four back for touchdowns, and forced seven fumbles. He was a member of Kansas City’s 2019 championship team.