Tyrann Mathieu, most recently with the New Orleans Saints, retired Tuesday after 12 seasons in the NFL. Mathieu first gained fame not far from where his career ended, starring for the LSU Tigers down in Baton Rouge,

New Orleans safety Tyrann Mathieu, a three-time All-Pro who was known as the “Honey Badger” for the relentless play in college that made him a Heisman Trophy finalist, said on the day the Saints opened training camp Tuesday that he is retiring from the NFL after 12 seasons.

In a surprising announcement, Tyrann Mathieu said he’s retiring from the NFL after 12 seasons. Mathieu, 33, last year completed his third season with the New Orleans Saints, his hometown team. He also played for the Arizona Cardinals, but the best years of his career were spent in Kansas City.