Tyrann Mathieu made strong impression with Houston Texans in one season

The Houston Texans have nothing but wonderful things to say about Tyrann Mathieu’s single season with the team.

Tyrann Mathieu spent only a single season with the Houston Texans back in 2018, but his impact is still being felt to this day. Kansas City Chiefs fans will be able to understand the sentiment, since Mathieu has only played one full year so far at Arrowhead Stadium and his leadership and performance were major elements of a championship-winning team.

As the Chiefs get ready to host the visiting Texans at Arrowhead on Thursday Night Football to open the 2020 NFL Season in primetime, various members of the Texans have reflected on what it was like to have Mathieu around. In what has become a series of predictable responses, everyone is filled with admiration for the way the veteran defensive back carries himself both on and off the field.

Starting safety Justin Reid was asked about playing alongside Mathieu during his rookie campaign, just like Juan Thornhill of the Chiefs last season, and it’s clear that the Honey Badger helped ease the learning curve.

"“Tyrann was an awesome leader,” said Reid. “I think he was a great guy to be a rookie behind in my first season because he just brought so much experience and versatility and leadership. I know he’s doing that for them with the Kansas City Chiefs now, too. But him and K-Jack (Kareem Jackson) both taught me things that I’m now teaching to the next guys following behind me.”"

The Texans originally wanted Mathieu back for another year. The Texans were the favorites to re-sign Mathieu last season after he completed his initial one-year deal with the team, but the reported contract came in at only $9.5 million annually. The Chiefs bested that deal by several million per season, to the tune of a three-year deal worth up to $14 million per season.

To this day, Bill O’Brien, Mathieu’s former head coach with the Texans, still speaks of him with respect and also a bit of frustration that he ever got away in the first place.

"“He’s a great player,” said O’Brien earlier this week. “We only had him for a year here, but he made an impact on this organization from a leadership standpoint, from a playing standpoint. Very smart player. One of the smartest players that we’ve had here. Just really understood what the offense was trying to do relative to the defensive call. Had really good leadership qualities.“When they were able to get him in free agency, I remember Coach (Andy) Reid and I talking, and he’s brought the same thing there, obviously, to Kansas City. It’s tough. It’s tough, but those are the things that happens in the NFL.”"

Mathieu, who is now 28, is entering his eighth season in the NFL. He made the Pro Bowl for the second time last season with the Chiefs and had 75 total tackles, 2 sacks, 15 passes defended, and 4 interceptions.