Things have settled down for Chiefs safety Tyrann Mathieu, who was known as the Honey Badger during his days at LSU.

He’s matured and is now considered a leader on his team.

“Just being accountable to myself,” Mathieu said of his transformation. “Holding myself responsible and really just accepting the challenges of life. I have to think to way back growing up in New Orleans, I had a hard time accepting life’s challenges. It was always one thing after another. It felt like it, but that’s life. There is always going to be something to get over or get through.”

He was suspended by LSU and eventually kicked off the team after failing multiple drug tests. He sought help and recovered.

“I’m moreso just happy that I could sit here today and know that anything that comes my way, I willing to accept it and get through it,” Mathieu said. “Not blame others. Not point the finger. It’s more so just me holding myself accountable and being responsible.”

Mathieu started his career with Arizona, but was released after five seasons. He played with Houston in 2018 before signing with the Chiefs.

“This is a blessing,” Mathieu said. “I feel I deserve to be here. I feel like I’m worth it. There were a lot of times in my life that I didn’t feel that way. I’m grateful for the people who came into my life they gave me some hope to keep going.”

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