Mathieu went on to joke that his five-year-old daughter was upset at him for retiring because she was going to miss getting "dressed up" for his game days. Mathieu and his girlfriend share three kids: 12-year-old and 11-year-old sons, Noah and Tyrann Jr., and a five-year-old daughter, Mila.

In a late-July surprise, Tyrann Mathieu is calling it a career. The decorated safety is retiring after 12 NFL seasons, the Saints announced Tuesday. Nick Shook takes a look at Mathieu's legacy and New Orleans' future.

Tyrann Mathieu had himself a great career -- three NFL All-Pro seasons, a trio of Pro Bowls, one Super Bowl ring, 36 interceptions in 12 years with four teams... and one epic nickname ( the Honey Badger! ). But in a heartfelt post on Tuesday before New Orleans Saints training camp, he announced he was calling it quits from the league.