Kansas City Chiefs Tyrann Mathieu on Why Bruce Arians Will Always Garner His Respect

Tyrann Mathieu has come a long way since being drafted back in 2013 by the Arizona Cardinals. Fondly known by fans as the ‘Honey Badger’, Mathieu is known for his explosive style of play on defense.

Now heading into his second Super Bowl appearance, the safety is one of the best in the business. But when he takes to the field this Sunday representing the Kansas City Chiefs, he’ll be going up against the man who probably knows him better than anyone else in the league.

Mathieu will be up against the man who kick-started his career in the NFL, Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Head Coach Bruce Arians.

The two have shared the field sporting the iconic colors of the Arizona Cardinals. Back in 2013, Arians was the Head Coach of the Cardinals’ side that had drafted Mathieu into their team.

Now, going up against each other in a Super Bowl showdown, Mathieu says he has nothing but respect and admiration for his former chief.

Tyrann Mathieu values Arians’ contribution to his career

Speaking to Pro Football Talk, Mathieu said talked about the influence Arians has had on his career. And how he will always be grateful to the man for believing in him when few others did.

“Me and coach BA, we’ve had a great relationship… Ever since my time in Arizona, and even beyond that. He’s always been somebody whose opinions and what he says meant a lot to me,” Mathieu said.

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After multiple teams snubbed him for certain incidents that transpired during his time on the field at the college level, it was the Cardinals led by Bruce Arians that gave him a shot to mold him into the player that he is today.

“You’ve got to remember, he was one of the first people in the National Football League that really believed in me and my abilities, and really allowed me to really flourish at a young age in this league.

“And he’s still been a guy that I keep in touch with to this day,” he added.

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