Earlier this week, former All-Pro safety Tyrann Mathieu surprised everyone when he announced his retirement at the age of 33. But on Thursday, Mathieu clarified that while his days playing in the NFL may be done, his presence around the game will likely continue on.
Mathieu has been a polarizing player ever since his collegiate playing days at LSU when he earned the nickname “The Honey Badger” due to his aggressive play style despite standing at just 5’9”.
For as much media attention as Mathieu received for his spectacular play on the field at LSU, he received nearly as much for his off-field controversies, ultimately being kicked out of the Tigers’ program by head coach Les Miles before declaring for the 2013 NFL Draft.
Despite being labeled “undraftable” by some prior to the NFL Draft, Mathieu went on to have an NFL career many can only dream of, reaching three Pro Bowls and earning three All-Pro honors before calling it a career on Tuesday.
Speaking with Kay Adams on the Up & Adams Show on Thursday about his playing career, Mathieu explained that while his playing days are done, he expects to be around the game in some capacity, whether that be as a coach or as a media member.
“Who knows what the future holds,” said Mathieu. “Anyone that has known me and has kinda been around me, I think they know how much I love football. I’m pretty sure me retiring was kind of shocking and surprising to some people. Because they know how much I love the game and how much I have given to the game. I’m looking forward to the next great challenge.
“When I came into the league, obviously it was a great challenge to me because of where I come from and all those things. I was really proud of the way I handled myself the last 12-13 years. I have accomplished some of the greatest goals ever. I’m excited to see me do that in my next endeavor. I don’t know if it’s gonna be TV. I don’t know if it’s gonna be coaching. I don’t know. But me being away from football, I don’t think that’s a thing. So it’s like, even though I retired, I think my heart is still with the game. Especially the players.”
“Me being away from football, I don’t think that’s a thing”
On TV? On the sidelines coaching? Where will we see Tyrann Mathieu next? 📍@heykayadams | @Mathieu_Era pic.twitter.com/6u5gUX4ECW
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) July 24, 2025
It obviously doesn’t sound like any sure thing at this point that Mathieu will end up in a role on TV, as it seems like he is just in the early portions of figuring out what he wants next in his life.
But with that being said, Mathieu has previously taken part in a media workshop in 2024 while he was with the New Orleans Saints. So it seems as if the possibility of a role in TV has been an intriguing one for him for a while now.
If Mathieu does pursue a role in TV, there will almost certainly be networks who are interested in his service as either an NFL or college football analyst given how great he was at both levels. So at the very least, Mathieu will be a name to watch as a potential analyst for networks.
About Reice Shipley
Reice Shipley is a staff writer for Comeback Media that graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Sports Media. He previously worked at Barrett Sports Media and is a fan of all things Syracuse sports.