Tyrann Mathieu’s name echoes in highlight reels, locker rooms, and contract talks. For years, Honey Badger wasn’t the biggest or the fastest, but nobody could question his impact, his hustle, or his wallet. Now retired, his recent cryptic message on social media has sparked conversations with one recurring NFL theme: big contracts vs. actual availability. The veteran safety, once a teammate of Patrick Mahomes, is calling out the gap between cash earned and time played.

What’s next for athletes facing this scrutiny? And what does it say about the game’s toughest job besides quarterback? 

Mathieu dropped a cryptic line on X that hit sharper than a blitz: “I never stole any money. As an athlete, availability is most important.” The post is vague and doesn’t offer much explanation, yet it’s implied shot lands squarely on those NFL stars pulling huge paychecks but spending too much time on the sidelines. Translation: big contracts don’t mean jack if you’re not out there playing.

When Mathieu joined the Chiefs in 2019 during Mahomes’ early years, his timing was perfect. The defense jumped from 24th in points allowed to seventh, and the Chiefs swung the Super Bowl trophy. He earned first-team All-Pro honors, proving he was a game-changer. Over 12 NFL seasons, Mathieu notched seven forced fumbles, eight recoveries, 11 sacks, and 36 interceptions. Teammates revered his locker-room energy and leadership. Off the field, he gave back to his community, even donating $1 million to LSU and mentoring young athletes. So his own career earnings only add weight to the message. 

He retired with $97.5 million in NFL paychecks, and he stands atop the highest-paid safety list through the 2024 season. Yet, even he isn’t untouchable on that chart. Harrison Smith, just behind at $96.5 million and still playing, will probably surpass him in the next season. The market is only climbing. Take Kerby Joseph’s recent landmark four-year, $86 million contract with the Detroit Lions. That deal rockets him straight into the top tier ever paid at the safety position.

Spotrac’s 2024-25 data puts it in perspective: The conversation around availability is a business-critical topic for teams paying these big sums. But Honey Badger didn’t just depend on the helmet for his income. Endorsements padded his pockets. Big brands like GQ and Jordan trusted ‌his marketability. Combined with his NFL salary, Mathieu’s net worth in 2025 is speculated at around $30 million. Not a bad haul for a guy who wasn’t supposed to be drafted in the first round.

The Honey Badger’s football legacy

Tyrann Mathieu’s football story is one of grit and relentless hunger. On the LSU campus, he forced 11 fumbles in just two seasons, leading college football defensive backs’ record books. Still, his NFL draft day journey was anything but smooth. The LSU coach, Les Miles, kicking him off the team due to off-field issues, only fuelled his drive.

Drafted in the third round in 2013, Mathieu instantly proved he belonged. His first NFL game had a touchdown-saving fumble recovery. He was a champion of versatility, playing safety, slot corner, linebacker, and occasionally outside corner. He adapted wherever teams needed him, becoming a prototype for modern NFL defensive flexibility.

However, Honey Badger announced his retirement in July 2025, and it shocked many, especially with the Saints’ upcoming season on the horizon. “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…Football gave me purpose, discipline, and memories that will stay with me forever. But more than anything, it gave me a community. I hope I made you proud out there. This isn’t goodbye — it’s just the next chapter,” he wrote.

Saint GM Mickey Loomis praised him as “legendary,” underscoring his impact beyond the field. Former teammate Patrick Peterson echoed this sentiment, calling Mathieu’s career a “journey” full of hunger and drive. Honey Badger might have hung up the cleats, but his cryptic message reminds the league: contracts demand availability. Money talks, but presence on the gridiron is the real currency.