New Orleans Saints defensive back Tyrann Mathieu, aka “Honey Badger,” announced that he is retiring after 12 seasons in the NFL.

Taking to social media, Mathieu confirmed that his career is coming to an end just before he was slated to begin training camp.

"As I hang up my cleats, I'm filled with gratitude as I close this chapter of my life and officially retire from the game that's shaped me in every way," Mathieu wrote on Instagram.

"From my first snap in college to my final play in the NFL, this journey has been nothing short of a blessing. Football gave me purpose, discipline, and memories that will stay with me forever. But more than anything, it gave me a community," the post continued.

"To every coach who believed in me, every teammate who battled beside me, and every fan who showed up, cheered, and rode with me through the highs and lows, thank you,” he added. You gave me the strength when I needed it most, and your love carried me farther than I ever imagined." 

Drafted by the Arizona Cardinals with the 69th pick in the 2013 NFL Draft,  Mathieu earned the first first-team All-Pro honor of his career in 2015

In 2019, he signed with the Kansas City Chiefs. He made All-Pro again and won a ring in Super Bowl 54. 

Mathieu was a back-to-back Pro Bowler from 2020-21 with Kansas City. He finishes his NFL career with 838 tackles, 100 pass deflections, and 36 interceptions.