Tyrann Mathieu Clarifies Why He Removed New Orleans Saints References From Social Media

The Honey Badger is doing a lot lately.

Veteran NFL safety Tyrann Mathieu is now with the New Orleans Saints, and it felt like he was pretty content about landing at his latest NFL stop.Ā  But apparently not, or at least it appeared that way. The former Arizona Cardinals star tweeted on Monday night, and then deleted, this: ā€œThe only job where youth beats out experience without actually being better.ā€ Roughly an hour later, he said this: ā€œHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHHA.ā€

Mathieu told Pro Football Talk Tuesday that his tweet had nothing to do with the New Orleans Saints or their player personnel decisions,Ā  it was aimed at the Baltimore Ravens releasing Tony Jefferson.

In a previous interview with NBC Sportsā€™ Peter King, Mathieu broke down the decision to sign with the Saints and looked ahead at his return to New Orleans.

ā€œI have a lot to accomplish on the field and off the field,ā€ Mathieu said. ā€œTo come back here and play where I grew up is really good, really important. When I was young, and I was making mistakes, some big mistakes, a lot of times, something bad would happen with me, or Iā€™d go to jail, and I could sense it in the people who believed in me. Disappointment. Hurt. So now, in my community, Iā€™m gonna be the everyday reminder. You can get better. You can turn your life around. I did. Itā€™s important for me to play great. But itā€™s as important for me to show these kids you can come back from big mistakes and be better. Iā€™m better. I really want to help these kids in New Orleans.

ā€œWhen I came by the Saints building to talk to them, I had a great talk with (defensive coordinator) Kris Richard. What a great teacher. I learned so much. I remember walking out of the building that day. ā€˜Those guys donā€™t need me. They donā€™t need the Honey Badger.ā€™ Thatā€™s what I thought. I play a tricky position. Once you turn 30, itā€™s easy to just go draft a 22-year-old. Then they called me. I was thrilled. The money doesnā€™t matter. I just feel like there is so much more for me to accomplish.

ā€œThis is my last stop, my last challenge. I am just thrilled to be here. When I put the uniform on and play in the Superdome for the first time, I will have to take a moment. Honest. Itā€™ll be so special. Just special.ā€

Prior to his one year with the Kansas City Chiefs, Mathieu spent five years with the Arizona Cardinals and one year with the Houston Texans.

Matthieu is one guy who always keeps you on your toes.


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