ARIZONA CARDINALS

Cardinals’ Mathieu says no more ‘Honey Badger’ nickname

May 10, 2013, 2:02 AM | Updated: 5:44 am

At his introductory press conference Thursday, Arizona Cardinals third-round pick Tyrann Mathieu talked at length about learning what it takes to be a true professional.

In short, the former LSU standout wants a fresh start. He wants to move on from his well-known past and that doesn’t just include his off-the-field transgressions.

During his rise to national prominence in 2011, Mathieu commonly was referred to by his nickname the “Honey Badger” more so than his actual surname. Coined to honor his reckless abandon on the football field, it was a nickname and a persona that the former Heisman Trophy Finalist embraced at the time.

But times have apparently changed.

“I understand that a lot of people who are in love with the ‘Honey Badger’ won’t let it go,” Mathieu said. “For me, going forward I want people to recognize me as Tyrann Mathieu.

“That’s my biggest thing. I don’t have anything against the ‘Honey Badger’ it’s just that the ‘Honey Badger’ happened at such a dark time in my life. I’m just really focusing on Tyrann right now.”

Mathieu did make one caveat to his new rule, though.

“If the little kids out there want to call me ‘Honey Badger’ they can do that,” said the Cardinals rookie.

Presented By
Western Governors University

Arizona Cardinals

Monti Ossenfort looks on...

Vincent DeAngelis

PFF’s Spielberger grades Cardinals’ free agent class among worst in NFL

PFF's Brad Spielberger gave the Cardinals' free agent class a "C" grade in his latest rankings. It was the worst grade among all 32 teams.

8 hours ago

Jonah Williams pressure Sam Darnold...

Tyler Drake

Report: Free agent DL Jonah Williams visiting Arizona Cardinals this week

Defensive lineman Jonah Williams is visiting the Arizona Cardinals and Minnesota Vikings this week, according to Aaron Wilson.

17 hours ago

Casita seating at the Arizona Cardinals' State Farm Stadium...

Arizona Sports

Arizona Cardinals’ new suite options at State Farm Stadium include casitas

The Arizona Cardinals on Monday announced new luxury seating options for 2024, including custom casita suites at State Farm Stadium.

21 hours ago

Justin Fields...

Associated Press

Quarterback carousel: Bears trade Justin Fields to Steelers to clear way for top pick

The Chicago Bears traded quarterback Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday night for draft compensation.

3 days ago

Kyler Murray...

Arizona Sports

Report: Cardinals QB Kyler Murray’s 2025 guarantees kick in

Cardinals QB Kyler Murray had nearly $30 million guaranteed for the 2025 season kick in by remaining on Arizona's roster by Saturday.

3 days ago

Paris Johnson Jr. celebrates with Kyler Murray...

Tyler Drake

Which side of the line will Cardinals’ Paris Johnson Jr. command in 2024?

Even before the Cardinals released D.J. Humphries, there was already talk of Paris Johnson Jr. making the switch from right to left.

3 days ago

Cardinals’ Mathieu says no more ‘Honey Badger’ nickname