Per a July 22 announcement, safety Tyrann Mathieu is retiring from the NFL. The New Orleans Saints and numerous reports confirmed Mathieu’s decision.

In a Tuesday post on Instagram, Mathieu thanked the game of football and everyone who helped him throughout his journey.

“As I hang up my cleats, 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’s post began. “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.

“To every coach who believed in me, every teammate who battled beside me, and every fan who showed up, cheered, and rode with me through the highs and lows, thank you. You gave me strength when I needed it most, and your love carried me farther than I ever imagined. I hope I made you proud out there. Much love, always.
Tyrann.”

Mathieu, a New Orleans native, was a collegiate standout at LSU. He spent his first five NFL seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, vastly outperforming his draft stock as a 2013 third-round pick. He then had a one-year cameo with the Houston Texans, later spending three years each with the Chiefs and the Saints.

An illustrious career it was. Mathieu retires as a three-time Pro Bowler and a three-time first-team All-Pro. Not only that, but he was a member of the All-Decade Team from the 2010s and rides off into the sunset as a former champion. In 12 NFL seasons, Mathieu amassed 838 tackles (45 for loss), 100 passes broken up, 36 interceptions and 11 sacks.

Mathieu played in all 17 regular-season games this past year in New Orleans. He had 62 tackles and 3 interceptions while playing over 1,000 snaps on defense.