Why is Tyrann Mathieu nicknamed Honey Badger?

Here is why Kansas City Chief safety Tyrann Mathieu is nicknamed “Honey Badger.”

For the second week of the 2021 season, the Kansas City Chiefs got star safety Tyrann Mathieu back on the active roster after he was removed from the COVID-19/reserve list. He got things off to a great start against the Baltimore Ravens, as he secured two interceptions off quarterback Lamar Jackson, returning one for a touchdown.

For the casual fans who were not aware that Mathieu’s nickname is “Honey Badger,” we explain how he received it.

Why is Tyrann Mathieu nicknamed Honey Badger?

The nickname stems from the viral video of a honey badger doing crazy things in nature with some comedic commentary. While playing in college for the LSU Tigers, then-defensive coordinator John Chavis played the video after a game against West Virginia and gave Mathieu the nickname due to his ability of forcing turnovers.

Mathieu was not initially a fan of it, but he eventually grew on it. Ever since, the nickname stuck.