The Kansas City Chiefs have built a modern-day dynasty in the NFL and there are several players that made it happen. Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce are two of the current Chiefs that have helped them win three titles since 2019 and the duo will look to bring a fourth to Kansas City as they dive into training camp in the coming weeks.
While their story is continuing, other Chiefs players are seeing theirs come to an end. A former staple of the Kansas City defense announced his retirement earlier this week and the Chiefs showed their appreciation toward his 12-year career and his contribution to where the Chiefs are now.
Chiefs Post Tribute Video After Tyrann Mathieu’s Retirement
Former Chiefs safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement on Tuesday, one day before the New Orleans Saints were slated to have their first training camp practice. Mathieu was preparing for his fourth season with the Saints and 13th season overall but he made the decision to step away, causing the Chiefs to post a tribute video on their social media accounts.
Always left it all out on the field. Forever a champ @Mathieu_Era! 🍯🦡 pic.twitter.com/gxKcEH38xc
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) July 23, 2025
The video highlighted Mathieu’s moments on and off the field during his three years in Kansas City which included a Super Bowl title in 2019 and Pro Bowl appearances in 2020 and 2021. The three seasons with the Chiefs were arguably the best in his career, making 213 total tackles, 13 interceptions and 27 pass defenses.
It was part of a career that began as a third-round pick by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2013 draft and also spent time with the Houston Texans, Chiefs and Saints. In 12 seasons, the LSU product earned the nickname of “The Honey Badger” for his aggressive play style and finished with 838 total tackles, 45 tackles for loss, 36 career interceptions, 100 pass defenses, seven forced fumbles, eight fumble recoveries and 11 sacks.
The Chiefs will look for a similar impact as Mathieu’s old secondary partner Justin Reid followed him to New Orleans this past offseason. Bryan Cook and Jaden Hicks are slated to start at the safety spot while Mike Edwards and Chamarri Conner are the favorites to grab roster spots.