Tyrann Mathieu's New Orleans Saints jersey won't be reassigned just yet
Mathieu sported No. 32 throughout his entire NFL career, including his three-year stint back home in New Orleans. Former Indianapolis Colts safety Julian Blackmon also wore No. 32 for the first five years of his pro career, but is currently using No. 28 with the Saints.
The expectation is not that Mathieu will get his jersey retired or anything; it is just a nice gesture for a local legend. He played for just three seasons in black and gold, but his impact on New Orleans will always be far greater. He is from the city and serves as a great example of someone who made it all the way to the top.
Mathieu may have an outside chance at the Pro Football Hall of Fame, however, which may be the best chance he gets honored by the Saints. He had 838 career tackles, 36 interceptions, three Pro Bowls, four All-Pro first team nods, a second team nod and won a Super Bowl with the Kansas City Chiefs.
He is also one of the current generation's most famous football players, dating back to his college days, which won't hurt "the Honey Badger's" case. No matter the full reason that he did not get his jersey number taken immediately. Even if it did, it will be hard for fans not to associate that number with him for a long time to come.
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