Cardinals Player Spotlight: S Tyrann Mathieu

Being drafted in the third round of the 2013 draft caused people to doubt his abilities, but Tyrann Mathieu has definitely proven himself to be one of the league’s best defensive threats.

The Arizona Cardinals drafted Tyrann Mathieu (Safety) out of Louisiana State University(LSU). At LSU, Mathieu played alongside Patrick Peterson and the two have become reunited since then and have a brother-like relationship.

Sep 22, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Arizona Cardinals defensive back Tyrann Mathieu (32) and cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) celebrate after an interception against the New Orleans Saints during the third quarter of a game at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Mathieu is known as “honey badger” and is now getting used to the nickname once more. In 2013, he hated people calling him it because he was called the nickname back in LSU days, when he wasn’t making the best of decisions in his life. However, he’s now accepting of it and has fun with it.

Honey Badger wasted no time showing his talent in his very first game as he forced a fumble against the Rams right before TE Jared Cook reached the end zone.

Following the first week, in the second week against the Lions, Mathieu made the game-winning tackle by stopping Nate Burleson on 4th & 4. The accomplishments continued to pile up as it seemed clear Mathieu would easily have a shot at Rookie of the Year.

In 11 games played, Mathieu racked up 65 tackles, 2 INT, 1 SCK,  and a forced fumble and played a tremendous factor as part of the Cardinals’ defense that was “Shocking the World”.

However, on December 8th, 2013 Mathieu tore both his ACL and MCL against the Rams and had to get carted off the field.

Dec 8, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals player Tyrann Mathieu (32) reacts as he is taken off the field after suffering an injury in the third quarter against the St. Louis Rams at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Rams 30-10. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Diagnosed with both an ACL and MCL tear, he would be later declared to miss what was the rest of his outstanding rookie season.

Last season, Mathieu didn’t perform as he did his rookie season due to his difficult battle of recovery. He only played 6 games and in those games he totaled up 35 tackles 1 INT, 0 SCK, and no forced fumbles.

On a brighter note, Mathieu seems to now be fully recovered from the heartbreaking ACL and MCL tears. In fact, he feels “free”.

Mathieu is expecting to come back healthier and stronger than ever and it heightens the anticipation for the season to start even more.

Next: Player Spotlight: DE Calais Campbell