In an unexpected and emotional development, Tyrann Mathieu, the former New Orleans Saints safety, who recently signed with the Washington Commanders for the 2025 season, has left a deeply heartfelt message for Gayle Benson and the entire New Orleans community. Mathieu, known for his fiery passion on the field and his leadership in the locker room, took to social media to reflect on his time with the Saints and express his gratitude toward the city of New Orleans as he embarks on this new chapter with Washington.
His departure from New Orleans was a significant moment for the Saints, as Mathieu had been one of the standout players on the defense, playing a pivotal role in the team’s success since joining the Saints in 2022. Now, as he moves on to a new team, Mathieu’s farewell message carries weight and emotion, resonating deeply with fans, teammates, and the organization alike.
A Heartfelt Tribute to New Orleans
Tyrann Mathieu, who spent two seasons with the Saints, quickly became a fan favorite in New Orleans. Known as the “Honey Badger” for his tenacious style of play and incredible instincts, Mathieu brought a level of intensity and leadership to the Saints’ defense. His ability to read offenses, make game-changing plays, and rally his teammates made him a valuable asset to the team.
In his message, Mathieu took a moment to reflect on his journey with the Saints, thanking Gayle Benson, the Saints organization, and the New Orleans fans for their unwavering support. His words resonated with the fans who embraced him as one of their own, even though he was not originally from New Orleans.
In his post, Mathieu wrote:
“To Gayle Benson, the entire New Orleans Saints organization, and the amazing fans of New Orleans, I just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. It has been an honor and a privilege to wear the black and gold and represent this incredible city. From the very first moment I stepped onto the field in New Orleans, I felt the energy and love of the city. You all welcomed me like family, and I will carry that with me forever.”
A Unique Bond with the City of New Orleans
Mathieu’s connection with New Orleans runs deep. While he was born in New Orleans and raised in Louisiana, his return to the city was seen as a full-circle moment for the “Honey Badger.” Coming home to play for the Saints, the team he grew up watching, added an emotional layer to his time in New Orleans. Fans embraced him not only for his play on the field but for his dedication to the community, especially as someone who had ties to the area long before becoming an NFL star.
Tyrann Mathieu’s impact went far beyond the field. He became an ambassador for the team, involved in numerous charity events and community outreach programs. His connection to the people of New Orleans was visible in the way he gave back, especially to youth programs and initiatives designed to support at-risk communities. He was a role model for the city’s youth, showing them that dreams could be achieved, no matter where they came from.
“New Orleans is in my heart,” Mathieu continued in his message. “This city raised me, and I’ve always considered it my home. The love from the fans, the energy in the Superdome, and the spirit of the city will always be a part of who I am. I’ll never forget the way you embraced me from day one. I’ll carry the lessons I’ve learned here with me into every step of my career.”
A Special Note to Gayle Benson
In his message, Mathieu also took the time to recognize Gayle Benson, the owner of the New Orleans Saints, for her leadership and support during his time with the organization. Gayle Benson, who has been at the helm of the Saints since 2018, has been a steady force in guiding the team through various transitions, and Mathieu was quick to express his appreciation for her.
“Thank you, Gayle, for believing in me and for giving me the opportunity to contribute to this organization,” Mathieu wrote. “You’ve done an incredible job leading this team, and it’s been a pleasure being part of the culture you’ve worked so hard to build. Your commitment to excellence and to the city of New Orleans is something I admire deeply. I’ll forever be grateful for the opportunity to play under your ownership.”
The relationship between Mathieu and the Benson family has been marked by mutual respect. Mathieu’s arrival in New Orleans was a major moment for the franchise, bringing a high-profile player to the team with local roots, and the connection he formed with the ownership was reflective of his professionalism and leadership.
New Orleans Fans: A Bond That Lasts
Mathieu’s emotional farewell message to the New Orleans fans was one of gratitude and appreciation. The Saints’ fanbase, known for its fierce loyalty and passionate support, quickly adopted Mathieu as one of their own, especially as he demonstrated his commitment to the team’s success.
“To the fans of New Orleans: I can never thank you enough for the love and support you’ve shown me. You are the heartbeat of the Saints. Whether it was the roar of the Superdome or the way you cheered for me and my teammates every Sunday, you made me feel like I was always part of something bigger than myself. I will miss you all, but you will always have a place in my heart. New Orleans will always be home.”
Mathieu’s departure may have been a difficult one for Saints fans, but his message shows just how strong the connection between the player and the city is. He has left an indelible mark on the fanbase, and his legacy as one of the Saints’ most beloved defensive players will not soon be forgotten.
The Next Chapter with Washington
As Mathieu now turns the page to the Washington Commanders, his new journey represents both a professional and personal shift. The Commanders, who are building a promising defense, are excited to have the “Honey Badger” bring his leadership and experience to their secondary.
Though his time in New Orleans was relatively short, Mathieu’s impact was felt immediately. Now, as he joins Washington, the lessons he learned and the memories he made in New Orleans will undoubtedly influence the next chapter of his career. The Commanders are hoping that Mathieu’s expertise will help elevate their defense to new heights, just as he did with the Saints.
Despite his move to Washington, Mathieu will always be intertwined with New Orleans. The connection to his hometown, to Gayle Benson, and to the Saints community will remain a core part of his identity as a player and a person.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Leadership and Love for New Orleans
Tyrann Mathieu’s farewell message to Gayle Benson and the New Orleans community is a powerful reminder of the lasting bond between players and the cities they represent. While his time with the Saints was relatively brief, it was rich in significance, and his influence on the team and the city was immense.
As Mathieu embarks on a new chapter with the Washington Commanders, his connection to New Orleans will remain strong. The legacy he leaves behind in the city—both as a player and as a community leader—will continue to inspire Saints fans for years to come.
For now, New Orleans may have lost one of its own, but Tyrann Mathieu’s heart will always be in the Crescent City, and his love for the people and the place will never fade.