Tyrann Mathieu Discusses Chiefs Future: 'I Can't See Me Wearing Any Other Uniform'
June 17, 2021
Kansas City Chiefs safety Tyrann Mathieu has found his forever home in the NFL, and he doesn't plan on leaving anytime soon.
Speaking to reporters Thursday, the 29-year-old, who signed with KC in 2019 as a free agent, said he's optimistic about reaching an extension with the Chiefs.
"Just being here the last couple of years, I can't see me wearing any other uniform," Mathieu said. "...Some of these things you can't buy other places. I'm a guy that's had to start over quite often. I would like to stay here, for sure."
Matheiu's three-year, $42 million deal expires after the 2021 season, slating the LSU product to reach unrestricted free agency next spring. He's hoping it doesn't come to that and has a solid case to present at the negotiating table.
The safety has missed just one game in his first two seasons with KC. Over that span, he's combined for 137 total tackles, 21 pass deflections, 10 interceptions, two sacks, one fumble recovery and one touchdown.
Mathieu is the sixth-highest paid free safety in the league, and Spotrac projects that should change at all on his next contract with a market value of $14 million per season.
It's not just the numbers that are keeping Mathieu committed to Kansas City, however. It's all the relationships and success he's found along the way.
Said Mathieu:
"All of these men are important to me. I can't see me ever walking away from that relationship. I've been through a lot in my life, and so for me, I think, holding on to certain relationships, I think that kind of outweighs any monetary thing, any feeling of emotion I may be dealing with in the moment.
"For me, football comes fairly easy. When you have certain men in your life that are trying to coach the person just as much as they're coaching the player... The mental part of the game is so big for an athlete. If any athlete can find the right mental space, I think all of our games could really go to a new level. Obviously I love football, but I think having certain guys around me, I think it clears my head to focus on just the things that are in front of me."
In the meantime, Mathieu said he's looking forward to helping mentor younger players on the team and help Kansas City continue to get better.