Tyrann Mathieu 'definitely motivated by Chiefs decision not to re-sign'

Tyrann Mathieu has cemented his place as one of the top safeties and locker room leaders in the NFL since entering the league as the No. 69 overall pick in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft. But despite being a captain and the clear leader of the Chiefs defense, the “Honey Badger” is now a member of the Saints.

The former LSU Tigers star recently joined the Jim Rome Show, and the longtime CBS Sports media man asked bluntly if there’s bad blood and animosity considering how it all ended this offseason.

“Is there any part of you that was hurt by the fact that they didn’t try harder to re-sign you, I get that you’re not bitter, and if so, can you pose some motivation from that,” Rome asked the dynamic safety.

.@Mathieu_Era admits he's motivated by the Chiefs letting him walk this offseason. pic.twitter.com/mTjtVP8NE3

— Jim Rome (@jimrome) May 12, 2022

While Tyrann Mathieu had previously made it clear he was appreciative of the Kansas City Chiefs organization and his time there, he reiterated his focus is on his new opportunity with the Saints.

“Oh yeah, no doubt about it, I’m definitely motivated by it,” the new Saints safety responded. “This is not the first time this has happened to me. I’m, getting ready to play for my fourth team so I think every step of the way I’ve always kind of run into that hurdle but it’s always helped to re-light that fire. Or put the chip back on my shoulder. ”

The lack of effort for the Kanas City brass to re-sign a player that has been a staple of their defense felt strange for NFL media minds, fans and Mathieu himself.

His three year tenure in Kansas City was beyond impressive. After signing with the team he played a pivotal role in helping the Chiefs Super Bowl win in 2020 and another chance for the Lombardi in 2021 but Tom Brady and the Bucs prevailed.

Mathieu has thrived everywhere he has played, but his last three years in Kansas City may have been his best, including last years run before the Chiefs were knocked off by the Bengals.

In his nine-year NFL career, he has 26 interceptions — including three pick-sixes — and six fumble recoveries.