By Reice ShipleyShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberThe Kansas City Chiefs are likely playing to keep their postseason hopes alive when they take on the Houston Texans in Week 14. Ahead of the game, one former Chiefs star threw his hat in the ring to potentially return to football and aid his former team's pursuit of a postseason spot in the AFC.
Prior to the 2025 season, three-time All-Pro safety Tyrann Mathieu surprised everyone by announcing his retirement from football at the age of 33. Given how Mathieu started all 17 games last season for the New Orleans Saints, most assumed that he had several years left in his career.
On Monday, Mathieu appeared on a live edition of the "Up & Adams Show" from Arrowhead Stadium to discuss various topics around both the NFL and college football.
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The Chiefs' recent struggles and uncertain path to the postseason naturally came up as a topic of discussion. During the segment spent on his former team, Mathieu hinted that his retirement may not be as permanent as some believed.
"I mean, I'm not gonna say no," said Mathieu on potentially coming out of retirement. "I stay in contact with Brett (Veach) and mostly Coach Reid. His grandson actually plays on the football team with us. It's a family. You want to help your friends. You want your friends to have a fighting chance. Fans hit me up all the time on X and want me to come back. They mostly want me to come back to provide that energy, that attitude. I think we're missing a little bit of that."
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History has shown the kind of impact that Mathieu can have in the right circumstances in Kansas City. Mathieu was notably an All-Pro-level player during two of his three years with the Chiefs, playing a key role in the organization's first Super Bowl in the Patrick Mahomes era back in 2019.
It's unclear whether the Chiefs' front office has as much interest as Mathieu seems to have in a potential reunion. Regardless, it sounds as if Mathieu will hear any calls from general manager Brett Veach about a potential return.
For more on the Kansas City Chiefs and all things NFL, head over to Newsweek Sports.
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