KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – Former Kansas City Chiefs safety Tyrann Mathieu is hanging up his cleats.

The 33-year-old from New Orleans, Louisiana, who played for the Chiefs from 2019 through 2021, announced his retirement Tuesday in a post on Instagram.

“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,” he wrote. “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.”

Over his 12-year career, which began as a third-round pick of the Arizona Cardinals in 2013, Mathieu was a three-time All-Pro, three-time Pro Bowler and a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s All-2010s team.

Mathieu was signed by the Chiefs as a free agent in March 2019 and played an integral role in Kansas City’s defensive improvement. He was signed the same offseason as the Chiefs fired defensive coordinator Bob Sutton and hired Steve Spagnuolo, ushering in a different defensive culture for the Chiefs that immediately resulted in a Super Bowl title.

“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,” Mathieu’s retirement post said. “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. This isn’t goodbye — it’s just the next chapter. Much love, always.”

Over his 12 seasons, Mathieu spent five years with the Cardinals, a year with the Houston Texans, the aforementioned three seasons with the Chiefs, and a concluding three seasons with his hometown New Orleans Saints.

Prior to his time in the NFL, Mathieu starred at LSU, and generated Heisman buzz, finishing as a finalist for the award during a standout 2011 season. It was at LSU that he was nicknamed the “Honey Badger,” which remained with him through his career.

He concluded his career playing 180 games, totaling 838 career tackles, 36 interceptions and 8 fumble recoveries.

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