Tyrann Mathieu: From Overcoming Addiction To Recovering From Injuries, The Honey Badger Gets Real
Tyrann Mathieu was having another stand-out season for the Arizona Cardinals last December when fans watched in horror as Mathieu’s leg did an awkward shift on the turf as Tyrann pulled in an interception against the Philadelphia Eagles.
“I absolutely felt that pop and anyone who has ever torn their ACL before, they knew what that pop feels like,” Mathieu told CBS Sports.
The loss of Mathieu for postseason play was a huge blow for the Cardinals who were considered favorites for a Super Bowl run. Head coach Bruce Arians was nearly brought to tears as he spoke with the press regarding Tyrann’s injury, “I love the player but I love the person more.” The Cardinals defense struggled against Cam Newton and the Panthers without the tenacity or “savage” skills of Tyrann Mathieu on the field, losing the NFC championship game and watching their Super Bowl dream die.
Despite this being a second ACL tear for Mathieu, one thing that Tyrann has proven time and again is his ability to overcome whatever adversity lay before him. Mathieu was a standout NFL draft prospect playing for LSU, and a finalist for the Heisman trophy in 2011. His nickname, “the Honey Badger,” was attributed to Mathieu’s vicious ability to make big plays on the field. But Tyrann’s NFL dreams almost didn’t become a reality.
In October of 2012, according to ESPN, Mathieu was arrested for marijuana possession just two months after being suspended from LSU’s football program for testing positive for marijuana.
As Mathieu reflected during his recent interview with CBS Sports, the arrest was a catalyst for the Honey Badger to make a change. Tyrann discussed the fact that many of his family members have been or are currently incarcerated. Mathieu said he could feel the negative “energy” of the other inmates in jail as they yelled across the room at him, noting that Tyrann had taken an opportunity to make something positive of himself for granted.
“It was one of those situations where I said ‘Man. This is not just about me,'” Tyrann continued, “I effect so many people. Criminals. Successful people. Educated people.”
Mathieu said he felt entitled to make excuses for his bad behavior because his father was in prison, his mother had abandoned him, and his grandfather who was raising him passed away, but Tyrann’s visit to jail left him wanting something better for himself and for the people that were depending on Mathieu to be a success.
Tyrann Mathieu has been true to his word since that moment and even his teammates have taken notice.
When fellow Cardinal Larry Fitzgerald recently spoke with reporters regarding Mathieu’s recovery, Fitz noted, “They’re having to hold him (Tyrann) back. He heals like Wolverine.”
But Cardinals fans aren’t looking for Mathieu to come back like Wolverine. They are looking for the Tyrann they’ve come to know and love as the Honey Badger. And Mathieu says he will be back better than ever.
“I’m going to be better than I was. I feel like I’m smart enough to play every position on the field and I’m tough enough to play any position on the field. Every day I walk into the meeting room I tell my coach to put as much on my notepad as possible.”
Given that Mathieu is working out five to six hours a day while rehabbing from knee surgery just three months ago and the prime shape Tyrann was in after his first ACL surgery, Cardinals fans don’t doubt the Honey Badger will make good on his promise.
“These are the kinds of situations that build character and build a man. As long as I can put that in my mind and keep those things in front of me, I will be alright in the long run,” Mathieu said with confidence. And Tyrann should know. Mathieu has been building his character each and every day.
[Tyrann Mathieu cover image via Norm Hall/Getty Images.]
