When the Kansas City Chiefs host the New Orleans Saints in Week 5’s edition of ESPN’s “Monday Night Football,” a very popular player will be returning to town.
Safety Tyrann Mathieu joined the Chiefs in 2019 — and played a major role in breaking a 50-year championship drought when the team won Super Bowl LIV in Miami. Although Mathieu was not a part of the Chiefs’ two most recent championships after departing for New Orleans in 2022, there is no doubt his legacy remains strong at Arrowhead Stadium.
“I think,” Patrick Mahomes recalled before Thursday’s practice, “just me being a young player — especially when he got here — just seeing that type of leader was something that I’ll forever remember. The way he inspired guys — [and] the energy that he played with? Obviously he’s a great football player; everybody can see that. But [he was] truly a great leader — one of the best leaders I’ve ever been around.
“He pushed to get the best out of everybody every single day. He treated practice like games. He tried to get to get better every single day. That’s something that has helped me become who I am.”
Mahomes’ impression of the player known as “the Honey Badger” long predates his entrance to the league in 2017.
“I watched him when he was in college,” remembered Mahomes. “He dominated college football. Then he got into the NFL. All the great plays that he had made — and then being able to see him on a day-to-day basis? [That’s] when you want to see those guys that are at the top of the top — and how they prepare every single day. He was one of those guys [where] you knew why he was great when you saw him practice — and how he went about his business.”
Although Mathieu reportedly left the Saints’ Week 4 loss to the Atlanta Falcons with a groin injury, he was not listed on the Thursday’s initial injury report. Mahomes hopes to see his former teammate roaming the defensive backfield on Monday night.
“I’m hoping that he gets out there,” he said. “Not for me and my sake, [but] because he’s a great football player. [He’s] always around the ball. I think Kansas City getting to see him come back — and be on that field again — will be special for the city.”
A player who could be in Mathieu’s path early and often on Monday night shared Mahomes’ sentiments.
“To go against him, I think it’s going to be pretty fun,” wide receiver Mecole Hardman predicted from the locker room on Thursday. “He’s definitely one of the best safeties in the league. So, they have that challenge — [and] it’s going to be fun.”
In his Thursday media appearance, head coach Andy Reid noted that while Mathieu’s time with the team has ended, his time in Kansas City lives on.
“Phenomenal player,” Reid said of his former defensive cornerstone. “I’ll vote for him for the Hall of Fame going forward. I don’t have a vote, but I’d have to vote for him. He’s a tremendous leader. He actually makes his home here [in Kansas City]. I think when he’s done [playing], he’ll probably come back here. Great kid. Great player [He] brings a lot of energy.”
Guard Trey Smith’s Chiefs career only overlapped with Mathieu’s in 2021. Even so, the defensive back left an impression.
“I remember I was a rookie,” Smith noted from the locker room on Thursday, “coming in and [seeing] a player like that. That sort of guy you look up to. It was really cool.”
Mathieu is not the only former Chief who will be returning to Kansas City this week. The Saints also employ former Kansas City linebacker Willie Gay Jr. (who is expected to miss the game with a hand injury) and defensive tackle Khalen Saunders. Smith looks forward to seeing them all — along with a former college teammate.
“I had the opportunity to play with a guy like Khalen Saunders [and] Willie Gay,” Smith noted. “[They’re] guys I’m familiar with — and [guys] I have a lot of respect for in our game. Then a former Tennessee Vol — [cornerback] Alontae Taylor — he joined [New Orleans], I guess, [in] my sophomore year at Tennessee. He’s been doing a great job in the league. They all do a good job. They’re all consummate professionals. That’s why they’re playing well at a high level.”
Hardman also looks forward to seeing his former colleagues — provided he and his teammates keep the main goal in mind.
“I think Willie is over there — [and] Khalen,” said the wideout, “so it can be fun to see those guys [and] catch up a little bit. But [we’re] also trying to beat them.”