The Kansas City Chiefs’ defense has dramatically improved over the years, primarily due to veteran talent that changed the culture.
During Friday’s press conference, Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo praised former star defensive back Tyrann Mathieu.
“Listen, I’ve got a special place in my heart for (Saints S) Tyrann (Mathieu), right? He’s a special guy. It’ll be great to see him” said Spagnuolo. “I think the last time – I think we saw him when we went down there (to New Orleans) (for the) preseason game. Yeah, that’s the last time we got the chance to give him a big hug, but (I) love Tyrann.
Mathieu signed with his hometown, New Orleans Saints, before the start of the 2023 season but made sure to leave an ongoing legacy within the Chiefs secondary.
“You know, I see it every day. It’s a little thing, but our DBs, before we – you guys aren’t out there until we get to stretch, right?” said Spagnuolo “Usually, about 10 minutes before that, all of the DBs are out on the field, and they’re doing footwork and (Defensive Backs Coach) Dave’s (Merritt) with them and (Safeties Coach) Donald’s (D’Alesio) with them, but that was really established with Tyrann all the way back (in 2019). He was pulling those guys out of the locker room 10 minutes early, so that’s a leadership thing.”
Mathieu spent three seasons in Kansas City, earning Pro Bowl selections twice, first-team All-Pro honors in 2020 and second-team honors in 2019. He made an impression on a young L’Jarius Sneed, who has then passed on traits to current lead defensive back Trent McDuffie.
“I think he laid a foundation here, especially in the secondary, of some of the things that we do quite frankly and the way (that) they operate,” said Spagnuolo. “I know those years. Looking back on when he was first here (Titans CB L’Jarius Sneed), LJ was young at the time, and I remember him learning from Tyrann. Then, Tyrann left, and LJ was teaching Trent (McDuffie), so there’s been a trickle down, and I think we owe Tyrann a lot for what he did when he was here.”
If he’s available to play on Monday, Mathieu should expect some applause and appreciation from the Arrowhead Stadium crowd.
