Super Bowl reunion: Tyrann Mathieu recalls special connection with former coach Bruce Arians

Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Tyrann Mathieu has had a solid NFL career, but the former LSU star remembers the coach who helped him get off the ground.

During a visit with SiriusXM NFL Radio, Mathieu recalled how Bruce Arians helped him transition to the NFL when they were both with the Arizona Cardinals. Now they will meet in the Super Bowl in Tampa Bay as Mathieu is with the Chiefs, and Arians coaches the Buccaneers.

Mathieu came into the NFL as a third-round pick (69th overall) by the Cardinals in the 2013 NFL Draft.

“We still talk to this day, it’s always good when I’m able to see him,” Mathieu said. “He was really one of the first people in the National Football League that really believed in my abilities. I remember when I came in as a snot-nosed rookie, he was moving me all over the defense, and he was one of those guys that I felt truly believed in my ability and my leadership.”

The key was Arians developing a support system around Mathieu.

“Him being able to surround me around veteran guys, great guys, not only on the field, but off the field,” Mathieu said. “He did everything in his power, to really make sure my first five, six years in the National Football League was more so of a stepping stone to keep me going in this league. I’m always grateful for him, obviously, taking a chance on me and really believing in me.”

There’s nothing but love between @Chiefs safety Tyrann Mathieu and his former coach Bruce Arians as they’re set to square off in #SuperBowlLV.

Catch the full interview with @kirkmorrison and @BruceMurrayNFL on Monday at 2pm ET.#ChiefsKingdom | @Mathieu_Era pic.twitter.com/iEY2FULdZl

— SiriusXM NFL Radio (@SiriusXMNFL) January 30, 2021

Keith Farner

A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.