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With the departure of Tyrann Mathieu finally here, the takes are flying.
The reality is that fans that had become accustomed to an elite level of play by Mathieu don’t realize how well he still was playing.
No, he was not the All Pro Honey Badger that had earned a large contract extension, but he was a talented player.
Moreover, he was a player who galvanized the Arizona Cardinals locker room.
He was a player that younger players looked up to and aspired to be and older players respected and wanted on their team.
This has never been questioned. So, when it came out that this was the end in Arizona, that the 25 year old All Pro defensive back would not be back in the desert again, the outpouring of love and respect to Mathieu from his teammates and former teammates was amazing to see.
No matter what you think of Tyrann Mathieu, he still had that admiration of his teammates and opponents around the league.
Man I’m gone miss balling with the legend @Mathieu_Era much respect brother I know what you about to do
— Markus Golden (@markusgolden) March 14, 2018
— 5⃣ (@DhaSickest) March 14, 2018
Glad I got to play wit you my boy @Mathieu_Era I know you gone ball wherever you land‼️‼️
— D.J. Humphries (@74_hump) March 14, 2018
@Mathieu_Era. One of the realist dudes I’ve met, a true competitor, teammate and leader! I’ve always been a fan and always will be! #Honeybadger #Choneybadger
— ♛Chandler Jones (@chanjones55) March 14, 2018
Remember in Hs and college watching Honey Badger highlights, Tremendous Respect for you, going to Miss sharing the field with you my guy, Welcomed me in with open arms, Giving me more knowledge than you will ever know, I’ll See you at the top! @Mathieu_Era
— Budda Baker (@buddabaker32) March 14, 2018
@nyjets I would pick up @Mathieu_Era. He already knows the defense.
— ANTONIO CROMARTIE (@CRO31) March 14, 2018
Bowles done named plays after the dude lol https://t.co/nuZzKPOouf
— Dion Bailey (@dbailey_18) March 14, 2018
Honey Badger + President Mal … Scary Sight let’s get it @Mathieu_Era!! https://t.co/37WvDWp7gj
— Jamal Adams (@TheAdams_era) March 14, 2018
@Mathieu_Era it was a honor & pleasure to play along side you. I know your best days are ahead of you 5! #Respect #Salute
— Tramon Williams Sr. (@HighRizer22) March 15, 2018
Can everybody stop hitting me up about @Mathieu_Era coming to the @Chargers y’all acting like I got pull or something.
— Shawne Merriman (@shawnemerriman) March 15, 2018