ARIZONA CARDINALS

Former Cardinal Tyrann Mathieu continues charity work in East Valley

Sep 26, 2018, 1:01 PM

Houston Texans safety Tyrann Mathieu autographs footballs for fans during the team's NFL football t...

Houston Texans safety Tyrann Mathieu autographs footballs for fans during the team's NFL football training camp in White Sulphur Springs, W.Va., Saturday, Aug. 4, 2018. (AP Photo/Chris Tilley)

(AP Photo/Chris Tilley)

Former Cardinals safety Tyrann Mathieu isn’t done giving back to the Arizona community despite signing with the Houston Texans in March. The sixth-year defensive back returned to Phoenix on Monday to open up his first Tech Zone at the East Valley Boys and Girls Club.

Tech Zones, according to the Tyrann Mathieu Foundation website, are “state-of-the-art ‘Tyrann-themed’ Technology Academic Centers (that) will provide financially disadvantaged students the tools they need to succeed.“

This is the second initiative taken by Mathieu’s charity foundation with the goal of improving the lives of disadvantaged children in Phoenix and New Orleans.

Mathieu took the opportunity to address local children in hopes of inspiring them to achieve their goals. The Tech Zone was equipped with musical instruments, computers, camera equipment and art supplies in addition to a plethora of other tools.

Not every child had access to the proper tools to develop interests, so the Tyrann Mathieu Foundation was working to ensure that underprivileged children in Arizona can discover their passions.

The Boys and Girls Clubs of America were dedicated to helping disadvantaged children to express themselves, be creative, stay active and achieve their potential. Established in 1860, the Boys and Girls Club was one of the longest standing public institutions in the United States.

During his five years in Arizona, Mathieu totaled 281 tackles and 12 interceptions in 66 games. Through his first three games as a Houston Texan, ‘the Honey Badger’ has put up 12 tackles, a pick and a fumble recovery. His sound instincts in both zone and man coverage make him a valuable asset for the stacked Houston defense.

Even since joining the Texans, Mathieu was committed to giving back to the Arizona community that embraced him since he was drafted in with the No. 69 overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft.

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Former Cardinal Tyrann Mathieu continues charity work in East Valley