Former LSU Tigers defensive back Tyrann Mathieu has announced his retirement from the NFL, he revealed via social media on Tuesday. Mathieu, an icon in Louisian

New Orleans safety Tyrann Mathieu, a three-time All-Pro who was known as the “Honey Badger” for the relentless play in college that made him a Heisman Trophy finalist, said on the day the Saints opened training camp Tuesday that he is retiring from the NFL after 12 seasons.

Throughout his college and professional career, Tyrann Mathieu has been one of the best safeties in the game. For the Saints, this will be a massive loss to a part of the defense that the team probably felt confident about.