Former LSU superstar Tyrann Matthieu will take the field Sunday night as a core piece of the Kansas City defense, seemingly finally hitting his professional stride after a rough start to his career.
The Honey Badger last suited up for the Purple and Gold in 2011, a year where he was named a Heisman Trophy finalist. He got to the championship, but ever won one with LSU, so he’s proud of this year’s team.
“I’m so proud of LSU this year and Coach O, when he inherited this program not a lot of people thought he would put that program in this position, so hats off to him,” says Matthieu.
Matthieu was a part of a stacked 2011 LSU defensive backfield featuring Eric Reid and Mo Claiborne.
Matthieu struggled with drug use during his time at LSU and was kicked off the team in 2012, reportedly for multiple failed drug tests. After his dismissal, he went into rehab and turned it around in the NFL.
“I reflect on my past a lot, it gives me great strength and hope because I think we can get so caught up in things that are behind us and things that are in front of us that we forget about the now,” says Matthieu.
Matthieu was drafted in 2013 by the Cardinals in the 3rd round and played five seasons in Arizona before spending last year in Houston and signing with KC this past summer.
The DB suffered a series of injury setbacks early in his NFL career as he tried to stabilize his life after leaving Louisiana where he was raised. Getting a ring after all his struggles would be special.
“It’ll be humbling for me. For me, it’s about the people that are around me and I’m so fortunate to be around a great group of guys,” says Matthieu.
Matthieu was named to the 1st Team All-Defense AP team this season.
