Arizona Cardinals’ Tyrann Mathieu looking to clear latest obstacle, be ready for Week 1

Aug 6, 2014, 10:28 PM | Updated: 10:29 pm

LISTEN: Tyrann Mathieu, Arizona Cardinals safety

Tyrann Mathieu’s story has been told quite often.

And it’s never a bad thing.

His life has featured some of the highest of highs along with the lowest of lows, but now, heading into his second NFL season he feels a responsibility to the team that drafted him in the third round.

“I’m extremely thankful that Steve (Keim), Mr. Bidwill, they took that chance on me,” Mathieu told Burns and Gambo on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM Wednesday. “Every day I just try to hold up my end of the bargain. I try to go to practice and do everything the right way. Play hard and play every play. It was refreshing, it was definitely encouraging that I am here and I am an integral part of our defense.”

It didn’t take long for Mathieu to go from intriguing prospect to key member of the team. The 5-foot-9, 186-pound safety’s season ended early due to knee injuries, but he still finished with 68 total tackles, two interceptions, one forced fumble and one sack.

His rookie campaign went a long way toward rehabilitating his image as one of the most dynamic football players in the game, and his first year in the NFL showed he may be able to get past the troubles that plagued him during his collegiate days at LSU.

But along with questions about his off-the-field character, some wondered whether or not Mathieu, at his size, could be successful in the NFL.

“I heard a lot of people say that I couldn’t play on the outside, that I couldn’t play cornerback, and that I couldn’t run down the field with bigger receivers,” he said. “So I just tried to answer that question, first and foremost.”

Mathieu, who said he has not used drugs in more than two years, said he realized he could succeed in the NFL when he was matching up with Pro Bowl receiver Larry Fitzgerald during minicamp, and sometimes coming out ahead.

“I made a couple plays on him,” he said. “He made a couple plays on me, but that was when I knew I could hang with the big dogs.”

In fact, the “Honey Badger” seemed all but certain to quickly ascend to the top of the NFL. His playmaking ability was unmatched, and he was one of the brightest spots on a very good defense.

But the knee injuries suffered while returning a kick in Week 14 against the Rams ended his season and has left him unable to do much during training camp this year. While he’s improving and getting closer to a return, he’s still been unable to play football for a long time.

While tough to deal with, his life experience helped better prepare him for the rehab process. After all, it may be tough to stay focused when unable to really be part of the team.

“I think the previous year where I had to sit out of football and I had to obviously right my wrongs and do my counseling and do my rehab and do my therapy, I think all those things helped me at that moment,” he said. “I regret going through what I went through, but I think it helped me out a whole lot. Once I got injured and I didn’t have football, and I was already in the process of being on top of my recovery and my rehab, so that wasn’t the biggest issue. The biggest issue was focusing on my knee and making sure I’m ready for next season.”

If anything, the injury and subsequent recovery is just another obstacle Mathieu has to get past. And if previous experience is any indication, he’s likely to do just that.

Saying the “dream” and “reality” for when he’ll return to the field are pretty much in line with each other, the 22-year-old said he thinks he’ll be back sooner than expected.

“I’ll know in the next couple of weeks if I’ll be ready for game one,” he said.

So apparently that’s the goal then, to be ready for the season opener on Monday Night Football against the San Diego Chargers.

“I’m definitely shooting for game one.”

Arizona Cardinals fans take in the action at NFL football training camp practice on Monday, Aug. 5, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals' Carson Palmer gives signals during passing drills at NFL football training camp practice on Monday, Aug. 5, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals' Carson Palmer throws the ball during passing drills at NFL football training camp practice on Monday, Aug. 5, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals quarterbacks coach Freddie Kitchens, left, talks with quarterbacks including Drew Stanton (5) at NFL football training camp practice on Monday, Aug. 5, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians, left, talks with Rob Housler at NFL football training camp practice on Monday, Aug. 5, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals' Kevin Minter (51) tips the ball away from a coach during linebacker drills at NFL football training camp practice on Monday, Aug. 5, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals' Lorenzo Alexander fights off the blocking dummy as he goes after the ball carrier at NFL football training camp practice on Monday, Aug. 5, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals' Larry Fitzgerald (11) makes a catch in front of Javon Harris (41) at NFL football training camp practice on Monday, Aug. 5, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals' Michael Floyd (15) makes a catch in front of Patrick Peterson (21) at NFL football training camp practice on Monday, Aug. 5, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals' Robby Toma makes a catch at NFL football training camp practice on Monday, Aug. 5, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals' Daryn Colledge (71) talks with general manager Steve Keim at NFL football training camp practice on Monday, Aug. 5, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals' Ryan Williams stands on the sidelines for another practice at NFL football training camp practice on Monday, Aug. 5, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals' Larry Fitzgerald, left, and Rashad Johnson collide as Fitzgerald makes a catch at NFL football training camp practice on Monday, Aug. 5, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Arizona Cardinals

DeAndre Hopkins, Cardinals vs. Titans...

Arizona Sports

Titans reportedly hosting former Cardinals WR DeAndre Hopkins on free-agent visit

Former Arizona Cardinals WR DeAndre Hopkins is visiting the Tennessee Titans for a free-agent visit this coming Sunday, reports Tom Pelissero.

21 hours ago

Garrett Williams introductory press conference...

Delaney Penn

Arizona Cardinals CB Garrett Williams’ 1st priority is to get healthy

Cardinals cornerback Garrett Williams discussed his love for making game-changing plays and his initial struggles with the Arizona heat. 

21 hours ago

Aaron Brewer...

Tyler Drake

Arizona Cardinals re-sign LS Aaron Brewer, release Joe Fortunato

The Arizona Cardinals re-signed long snapper Aaron Brewer and released Joe Fortunato on Tuesday, the team announced.

2 days ago

Carlos Watkins...

Tyler Drake

Carlos Watkins ‘sees vision’ the Cardinals are aiming to achieve

After meeting with head coach Jonathan Gannon and DC Nick Rallis during free agency, Carlos Watkins knew his future was in the desert.

2 days ago

Colt McCoy, Arizona Cardinals QB...

Haboob Blog

Why Colt McCoy’s kids may want him to retire

Arizona Cardinals QB Colt McCoy told his kids that the family can get a furry friend when he retires, which isn't happening yet. 

2 days ago

Zaven Collins during OTAs...

Tyler Drake

Cardinals LB Zaven Collins embracing life on the edge

Cardinals linebacker Zaven Collins is getting more work on the outside than ever before since arriving to the desert in 2020.

3 days ago

Arizona Cardinals’ Tyrann Mathieu looking to clear latest obstacle, be ready for Week 1