Louisiana Sports Legend Tyrann Mathieu Says Former Coach Saved His Career

(New Orleans, Louisiana) - It was announced earlier this week that former LSU great and current New Orleans Saints player Tyrann Mathieu is retiring from football.

The man we called "The Honeybadger" for so many years has elected to hang up the cleats for good, and looking back, many never thought he'd make it this far.

If you recall, Mathieu, who was projected to be a Heisman Trophy candidate at LSU,  was dismissed from the team in 2012 by former LSU Coach Les Miles after he failed multiple drug tests.

Not only did this cut his college football career short, but Mathieu's NFL stock also dropped, and the projected first-round pick fell to the third round in the NFL draft the following year.

With all of that, the former Tiger never blamed Les Miles for these failures; instead, he blamed himself and would ultimately thank his former coach for saving his football career.

Where is Tyrann Mathieu From

Tyann Mathieu grew up on the streets of New Orleans, and he had his issues to deal with, but it was football that saved him. A dismissal from the team he had always wanted to be part of gave him a second chance with football and life.

The New Orleans native says that Miles and his grandmother deserve the credit for the man he has become today, on and off the field. Rather than blaming others, Mathieu has always credited those who had to make difficult decisions on his behalf along the way.

He says through it all, he has remained close to Les Miles, and you can't help but think that his former coach is smiling today as he enters retirement from the NFL.

Take a look back at this interview when "The Honey Badger" outlined those who are responsible for his success on the field and at home. This truly is an inspiration.

Years later, Mathieu was invited back to LSU by Coach Brian Kelly, and this is what he had to say while standing before the entire team. Every parent should let their kids hear his message to this group of young men.

If you forgot how good of a football player Tyrann Mathieu was at LSU, let's hit the rewind button and enjoy his greatness while he was in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

These highlights are what convinced the Arizona Cardinals to draft him after his troubles at LSU.