By Ross Jackson
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Matheiu announced his retirement on Tuesday as the team reports for training camp.
Tyrann Mathieu has announced his retirement from the @NFL 🫡 pic.twitter.com/QgjgYAnOUu
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) July 22, 2025
His announcement was made via the Saints’ social media page, stepping away from the game after 12 seasons. The New Orleans native spent his last three seasons with the Saints.Â
He also posted a message with a hanging pair of cleats on his personal Instagam page.
“As I hang up my cleats,” he wrote. “I’m filled with gratitude as I close this chapter of my life and officially retire from the game that’s shaped me in every way.”
Mathieu had previously indicated that he wanted to play for another two years but now announces his retirement ahead of the 2025 NFL season.
The former LSU Tigers star finishes his time in New Orleans with 51 games played, 228 combined tackles and 10 interceptions. Over his 12-year career he amassed 838 combined tackles, 36 interceptions and 11 sacks.
“From my first snap in college to my final play in the NFL, this journey has been nothing short of a blessing. Football gave me purpose, discipline, and memories that will stay with me forever. But more than anything, it gave me a community.”
Mathieu was a third round selection of the Cardinals in the 2013 NFL Draft. He earned three First Team All-Pro Honors and was named to the 2010s NFL All-Decade Team. Mathieu won Super Bowl LIV with the Kansas City Chiefs.
During his time at LSU, Mathieu became one of the most decorated players in program history. In 2011, he was a Heisman Trophy finalist, Unanimous All-American and the Bednarik Award recipient.
The Saints signed free agent safety Justin Reid this offseason who was supposed to play opposite Mathieu. The team drafted Jonas Sanker in the third round of April’s NFL Draft and returns former fifth round pick Jordan Howden at the position.
New Orleans is set to open training camp Wednesday.
