Tyrann Mathieu has decided to retire from the NFL after 12 seasons, the New Orleans Saints announced on Tuesday. The news came as a surprise in late July.

Even though he had a quiet 2024 season, many expected the 33-year-old to team up with Justin Reid to lead the Saints’ defense in 2025. But instead, Mathieu, who is from Louisiana, has chosen to step away from football. The Saints are also going through changes after getting a new coach earlier this year.

“I’m a little surprised, but we knew it might happen,” said Saints general manager Mickey Loomis. “We respect Tyrann a lot. He’s a football legend in Louisiana and the NFL. He was great to have on the team.”

Mathieu’s career started with some doubts but turned out to be very successful. He played for several teams and made a big impact at each stop. He was named to the All-Pro team three times and played in three Pro Bowls. He also won a Super Bowl with the Kansas City Chiefs and made the NFL’s All-Decade Team for the 2010s, showing he might one day enter the Hall of Fame.

Mathieu played college football at LSU and won awards there. Though he was very talented, some off-field issues made him drop to the third round of the 2013 draft, where the Arizona Cardinals picked him. He quickly proved himself and was even considered for Defensive Rookie of the Year.

After Arizona, he spent one season with the Houston Texans, then joined the Kansas City Chiefs in 2019. There, he became a key player in their defense and helped the team win a Super Bowl.

Mathieu joined the Saints in 2022 and played every game for them over three seasons. He ended his career with 228 tackles, 24 pass breakups, 10 interceptions, and three forced fumbles.

Now, Tyrann Mathieu retires from the NFL in the same place where his football journey began—Louisiana.

How Does Retirement Affect the Saints’ Defense in 2025?

The Saints signed Reid to a three-year, $31.5 million contract in the offseason. It was seen as a smart move, especially after the team fired defensive coach Dennis Allen in 2024. Reid and Mathieu were supposed to be a strong safety duo, bringing experience and leadership.

But now, only Reid remains.

Mathieu had a weaker season in 2024, and the team didn’t treat replacing him as a top need in 2025. They picked safety Jonas Sanker from Virginia in the third round of the draft, planning for him to learn from Mathieu, play on special teams, and slowly earn a bigger role.

Now, with Mathieu’s surprise retirement, Sanker has a chance to start right away. Meanwhile, General Manager Mickey Loomis said the Saints will “definitely” bring in another defensive back soon.

Free agent Justin Simmons, who played for Atlanta last year, is still unsigned. He knows the division well but has said he wants to join a team that can win now. The Saints may need to offer him a good deal and a starting spot to convince him.

Other options include former Colts safety Julian Blackmon and 32-year-old Quandre Diggs, who is healthy again after a foot injury, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport.

The Saints still have choices, but with training camp starting, they need to move fast to replace Mathieu.

Published: 23rd July 2025

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