Tyrann Mathieu recalls memories of Superdome from childhood

New Orleans safety Tyrann Mathieu is prepared for the emotions he will feel during his Saints debut at the Superdome this season. A New Orleans native, Mathieu signed a three-year, $33 million deal with the Saints this offseason that brings him back home.

When he runs from the locker room and onto the field at the Superdome in black and gold for the first time, there will be many memories going through his mind. Perhaps the most prominent one will be a Monday Night Football game from Sept. 25, 2006 — the Saints’ first game back in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina destroyed the city.

“It’s gonna be emotional, man,” Mathieu said on the Rich Eisen Show. “This is a team and program that I’ve watched my whole life growing up. I can even go back to Hurricane Katrina when the Saints came back. It was just so electric in the building. I just remember how proud our community was. I’m looking forward to reflecting that. Trying to play as hard as I can so I can make that city as proud as I can make it.”

New Orleans handed division rival Atlanta a 23-3 loss that evening in front of a raucous crowd. Although Tyrann Mathieu said he was not at the Superdome and simply watching the game on TV, he could feel the energy in the stadium. That passion that he saw as a fan is part of the reason he feels required to put his best foot forward as he represents his city as a player.

“I’m just happy to go back to a city that celebrates its people, its coaches, its sports,” More than anything, you’re just trying to take the field and win. Not just for yourself and your teammates, but for the fans too. I’m just looking forward to hopefully bringing those kind of moments and memories back to the Bayou.”

A lifelong Saints fan, Tyrann Mathieu played at St. Augustine High School before accepting a scholarship to play football at LSU. He developed a name for himself in Baton Rouge and was a member of the 2011 LSU team that lost to Alabama in the BCS national championship. He went on to finish his college career with 133 total tackles (16 for loss), six sacks, four interceptions and 16 passes defended.

His NFL career has been just as successful, with already three Pro Bowl appearances and a Super Bowl victory in nine seasons. This past year he recorded three interceptions, three fumble recoveries, a defensive touchdowns and 76 tackles on his way to earning the third Pro Bowl appearance.

During his time in the NFL, Mathieu has been with three different teams. Now, he is finally back home with his fourth, and on a journey to bring back another Super Bowl to the city that made him.