Former LSU football and NFL star Tyrann “Honey Badger” Mathieu delivered quips on a variety of topics from his time as a Tiger to the star quarterbacks he intercepted during his visit Tuesday, Sept. 29 to Shreveport’s Convention Center.
Participating in a question-and-answer session with Patrick Netherton during the 2026 Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl Kickoff Dinner, Mathieu was humorous with some of his stories while thoughtful about how he’s matured since his raucous playing days in Baton Rouge.
“I wasn’t a bad kid, but I made some mistakes. I went through a bad patch,” said Mathieu, who was raised by an aunt and uncle while his father was incarcerated and his mother absent. “I was fortunate to have some people looking out for me. I would not have been involved in football without my aunt and uncle. They provided structure for me.”
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Here are a few highlights from Mathieu’s time on the Shreveport stage:
On LSU football coach Lane Kiffin: “He is saying and doing the right things to be successful. I don’t think LSU will win a championship this year, but they will soon.”
On experiencing Hurricane Katrina: “Our first thought was that it was going to be a big vacation. We were off school for like two weeks. We had evacuated like 20 hours before it hit. I had about 200 to 300 trophies from my athletics and when we got home, all of them were gone. It did cement our family relationship more.”
On his first NFL interception: “Drew Brees. It was awesome. They kicked our butts that day, I think it was like 36-10, but I had a good day.”
On other big names he intercepted, like Tom Brady and Phillip Rivers. “You have to have a great memory because those guys remember everything. They’re the best of the best.”
On one he missed: “I didn’t get Peyton Manning. That dude knew every play we had. He’s one I wish I would’ve gotten. But he was on a different level.”
On winning Super Bowl 54 with the Chiefs: “Kansas City brought me in to be the Patrick Mahomes of the defense, and I got a Super Bowl ring. That’s the only title I won from grammar school all the way through the NFL.”
What was the top moment of his career? “Getting drafted and having my family there.”
A game he’d re-live: “The national championship game, but I’d have to play quarterback that day.”
On his current interest: “I’m married and have five kids. I’m doing a podcast. I know I’ll have to go back to work at some point, because that’s what men do. But I’m enjoying some time off right now.”
Jimmy Watson covers Louisiana sports for the USA TODAY Network. Email him at jwatson@shreveporttimes.com and follow him on Twitter @JimmyWatson6.
This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: LSU football great Tyrann Mathieu says Tigers will win title soon
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