Kansas City Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo comments on Tyrann Mathieu's retirement announcement
'I'm glad you brought that up. You know these young guys with the phones and stuff. It was like they immediately knew; I didn't know. I just had a – I love – you know how I feel about (Former NFL S) Tyrann (Mathieu),' said Spagnuolo. 'I'm waiting right now to send a text or a phone call because I know he is getting inundated. But I want to probably get him on a day off. Special, special guy. I mean, we came here in 2019, Tyrann and I together, and he was a key piece to what we were doing. (He) started off a little rough, but got better and better. But I love Tyrann Mathieu. I'm really excited for what he – he'll do something great moving forward. He might end up being the president, who knows? I mean he's a dynamic guy, but I think he'll stay somehow in athletics or football, that's my guess.'
Mathieu announced his retirement via social media on Tuesday, following 12 seasons in the NFL, with his most recent years spent with the New Orleans Saints. He was an impactful part of the Chiefs' Super Bowl LIV-winning team in 2019, as he began his tenure in Kansas City the same season as Spagnuolo. Mathieu spent three seasons in Kansas City, earning Pro Bowl selections twice, first-team All-Pro honors in 2020, and second-team honors in 2019.
Twice selected by Chiefs coaches as the Derrick Thomas MVP winner, he started 47 games, recording 213 total tackles, eight tackles for loss, four sacks, four fumble recoveries, 13 interceptions, 27 passes defended, and two defensive touchdowns.
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