ARIZONA CARDINALS

Mathieu impressive, but time will define success

Sep 19, 2013, 10:27 PM | Updated: Sep 20, 2013, 12:16 am

It’s nearly impossible not to be impressed with Tyrann Mathieu at this point.

Or with Cardinals GM Steve Keim for taking him in the third round of the draft.

Mathieu has stood out on the field and blended in off it, the perfect marriage for such a high-risk/high-reward player. For those who thought it was a needless risk at that stage in the draft (yeah, this guy right here) watching his early impact has been a bit of a revelation.

For Mathieu — and Keim, for that matter — there is no visible finish line to define this as a success. Much like Vontaze Burfict in Cincinnati, it might take a year or two, or more, before you feel safe in declaring that he is the player and person you know now instead of the one you knew.

This is a big week for Mathieu, returning home to New Orleans. Friends, family and diversions await him. But there was one tiny bit of information — just a short quote really — that made me feel even better about Mathieu’s transformation.

He was asked about how many ticket requests he had received for the game. Mathieu laughed and said he changed his number so, you know, none.

I’m not sure why, but that struck me as an incredibly responsible thing to do. On the surface, he’s trying to avoid the interference of dozens of people who want something from him. That’s just one more thing to worry about for a guy who already has plenty on his plate. And if that’s all that it is, then that’s good enough for me.

But was there something more? Has he decided he needs to leave some of those bad influences in the rear view mirror? Is he turning his back on his boys?

Maybe I’m reading too much into it; certainly wouldn’t be the first time I’ve been accused of that.

Either way, Mathieu continues to hit all the right notes. Just as the new GM had hoped.

Presented By
Western Governors University

Arizona Cardinals

Wide receiver Rondale Moore #4 of the Arizona Cardinals runs with the football ahead of linebacker ...

Kellan Olson

Arizona Cardinals OC embracing unique utilization of WR Rondale Moore

Arizona Cardinals wideout Rondale Moore was one of a few skill players to have a big gain on Sunday, and his came from the backfield.

9 hours ago

Joshua Dobbs...

Haboob Blog

Cardinals QB Joshua Dobbs has finally made it in the team shop

Quarterback Joshua Dobbs' jersey is now available in the Arizona Cardinals team shop after he could not find it.

12 hours ago

Roy Lopez...

Arizona Sports

Cardinals sign former Mesquite HS, Arizona DT Roy Lopez

The Arizona Cardinals signed Valley native and former Houston Texans defensive tackle Roy Lopez to the active roster on Tuesday.

14 hours ago

Taylor Swift at Chiefs-Bears to watch Travis Kelce...

Associated Press

Taylor Swift’s appearance at Chiefs game spikes Travis Kelce jersey sales

Taylor Swift's trip to watch the Kansas City Chiefs' Travis Kelce play football on Sunday didn't just have the internet talking nonstop.

19 hours ago

Michael Wilson catches a pass in Week 2...

Tyler Drake

Michael Wilson’s comfort level within Cardinals offense continues to evolve

Michael Wilson continues to impress for the Arizona Cardinals in 2023. The next step is getting him more involved as a pass catcher.

1 day ago

Presented By...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: The Arizona Cardinals could be undefeated Wolf and Luke say

The Arizona Cardinals could be undefeated Wolf and Luke say. Video: Felisa Cárdenas and Jeremy Schnell/Arizona Sports Subscribe to the Arizona Sports daily newsletter: https://bit.ly/3QWcj1x Read articles from Arizona Sports: https://arizonasports.com/ Download the Arizona Sports app: https://arizonasports.com/the-arizona-sports-98-7-fm-app/ Sign up for texts from Arizona Sports: https://arizonasports.com/text-alerts/ Listen live to Arizona Sports: https://arizonasports.com/listen-live/ Follow the team: https://bit.ly/3R0PIAJ […]

2 days ago

Mathieu impressive, but time will define success