The Kansas City Chiefs completed their first day of training camp at Missouri Western State College on Tuesday, July 22.
With exclusive access to season-ticket holders, Chiefs quarterbackPatrick Mahomes and Co. completed their first day of practice. While Mahomes prepares for his ninth season in the NFL, his former teammate, Tyrann Mathieu, who went on to play for the New Orleans Saints after three years in Kansas City, announced his retirement from the league.
While 12 years makes for a full career in the NFL, Saints general manager Mickey Loomis admitted he wasn’t quite ready for Mathieu’s decision. The LSU alum was signed through the 2025 NFL season.
GettyFormer Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu at Caesars Superdome on August 13, 2023.
“We were a little surprised, but we had some advance notice,” Loomis told reporters. “And we just have so much respect for Tyrann and what he’s accomplished, and he’s a legendary Louisiana player, legendary NFL player. Really appreciate his time with us, he’s fantastic… What a great career. Just wish him all the best.”
Mathieu, 33, won his first and only Super Bowl championship with the Chiefs in 2020. While he wanted to remain in Kansas City after the 2021 NFL season, the Chiefs let him walk in free agency. “Bro, I was depressed,” Mathieu told the KC Star of the team’s decision in 2022. “Heartbroken. Heart. Broken. I could not understand it. I could not, man.”
Patrick Mahomes Called Tyrann Mathieu ‘One of the Best to Ever Do It’
GettyFormer Chiefs safety Tyrann Mathieu celebrates with quarterback Patrick Mahomes at Arrowhead Stadium on January 19, 2020.
The Arizona Cardinals’ third-round pick pick the 2013 NFL draft earned First-Team All-Pro honors in two of his three seasons in Kansas City. While the Chiefs moved on to sign Justin Reid to a three-year, $31.5 million contract in free agency, Mathieu ultimately moved on to ink a three-year, $28.3 million deal with the Saints in 2022.
Mahomes continues to think the world of Mathieu. Following his retirement announcement, the 29-year-old quarterback gave the veteran his flowers on Twitter. He wrote, “Congrats to my Man! @Mathieu_Era one of the best to ever do it!”
Mahomes gushed over Mathieu before the Chiefs-Saints showdown last season. “Just seeing that type of leader, I think, was something that I will forever remember,” Mahomes said, as reported by Pro Football Talk. “The way he inspired guys, the energy that he played with — obviously, he is a great football player — everybody can see that — but he is truly a great leader, one of the best leaders I’ve ever been around.
“He pushed to get the best out of everybody every single day, he treated practice like games, he tried to get better every single day, and that’s something that has helped me become who I am.”
Mathieu finished his career with an overall 91.33 grade Pro Football Focus, racking 36 receptions, 53 forced incompletions, and 55 tackles for a loss.
Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid Wants To Give Tyrann Mathieu A Hall of Fame Vote
Despite the Chiefs’ decision to move on from Mathieu, head coach Andy Reid offered him nothing but praise last October. “Phenomenal player,” Reid said, per PFT. “I’ll vote for him for the Hall of Fame going forward — I don’t have a vote but I would vote for him.
“He’s a tremendous leader. He actually makes this his home here, so I think when he’s done, he’ll probably come back here. Great kid, great player, brings a lot of energy.”
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