As the current NFL game moves, farther and farther away from the defensive end and the focus shifts to an offensive orientation, defensive players’ importance has never been higher. Why offensive players are available in abundance, defense specialists are a rarity, therefore making them infinitely valuable. That is where Tyrann Mathieu made his mark in the league.
A brilliant athlete from a young age, Tyrann ran track and field at St. Augustine High School, in addition to his football contributions. Moreover, he was one of the best long jumpers in the entire state of Louisiana. Staying close to home, he accepted an offer to attend Lousiana State University.
As a freshman, he recorded just one start but became the most outstanding defensive player in the 2011 Cotton Bowl Classic. As a sophomore, he became a consistent starter and one of the best defensive players in the entirety of college football. He was named the most valuable player of the 2011 SEC Championship game and this was the season that he earned the nickname, the Honey Badger, for his ability to play tough football against larger opponents, while having a tendency to make big plays. The name was apropos because of the dyed patch of blond hair on top of his head in his college days that resembled the back of a honey badger. He was spectacular on the defensive end, winning the Chuck Bednarik Award and finishing 5th among the Heisman Trophy finalists. Tyrann withdrew from LSU and entered a drug rehabilitation program in Houston, Texas, for the majority of the 2012 season. Near the end of the year, he announced his intentions to enter the NFL.
He became the 69th overall pick for the Arizona Cardinals. After a slow start in his first two years, Mathieu earned the starting free safety position in his third season. While injury caused him to miss the final two games of the season and the postseason, Mathieu’s play was so spectacular that it earned him his first Pro Bowl and nomination to the first-team All-Pro. The following season, the Cardinals signed Mathieu to a five-year, $62.5 million extension. However, the first year of that contract turned out to be a curse, as Mathieu missed the majority of the season due to various injuries. After contract disputes between the two sides, the following year, Mathieu was released by the Cardinals
Eventually, he found his way over to the Houston Texans for a contract worth $7 million. After a solid season, Mathieu’s value started growing around the league. As a result, a revitalized Kansas City Chiefs team signed him to a three-year, $42 million contract. His play was phenomenal throughout the year, as he earned first-team All-Pro honors. He would continue his stellar play throughout the postseason as the Kansas City Chiefs eventually go on to win Super Bowl LIV. He continued his momentum the following season, earning his second Pro Bowl nomination, while again being named to the first-team All-Pro. Even after missing time due to Covid 19 protocols the following year. Mathieu was sensational and earned his third career Pro Bowl. At the expiration of his contract, Mathieu chose to sign a three-year, $33 million contract with the New Orleans Saints as the Chiefs look to save some cap space and spend in other areas.
What is Tyrann Mathieu’s Height?
Tyrann Devine Mathieu was born on May 13th, 1992, in New Orleans, Louisiana. Raised by his grandparents, Mathieu came from a rough family background. His mother was absent for the majority, while his father was incarcerated for murder. He was eventually raised by his aunt and uncle after the demise of his grandfather. Tyrann Mathieu has a recorded height of five feet nine inches, or 1.75 meters. That frame puts Mathieu a few inches short of the average height of a football safety.
However, that slight disadvantage has not caused problems for Mathieu As after an initial adjustment period to the NFL, he's been phenomenal. Since a shift to Kansas, he's been named to two Pro Bowls and All-Pro selections, while winning a Super Bowl as well. After initially struggling due to a lack of height, Mathieu’s tenacious ability, paired with his knack for making big plays, eventually succeeded. And the Honey Badger became a valuable contributor to his team.
FAQs
A. Tyrann has no brothers but has a sister.
A. While not confirmed, the alleged story states that Mathieu’s repeated drug test failure caused the team to dismiss him.
A. Yes, he has two children named Tyrann Mathieu Jr. and Mila Jill Marie Mathieu.
A. Yes, he won the Super Bowl LIV, against the San Francisco 49ers.
A. His ability to play tough football against larger opponents, while having a tendency to make big plays, while sporting a dyed patch of blond hair on top of his head in his college days that resembled the back of a honey badger, earned him his nickname.
