Former Chiefs star asks coach Andy Reid to let him return after Week 13 loss to Cowboys
Tyrann Mathieu Hints at Shocking Comeback: “I’m Not Saying No” — Could He Save the Chiefs?
After the Kansas City Chiefs suffered a devastating 28–31 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving, dropping to 6–6 on the season, an unexpected glimmer of hope has emerged: Tyrann Mathieu, the legendary defensive leader who retired in July 2025, is considering a comeback.
In a Monday appearance on “Up & Adams” with Kay Adams, Mathieu was asked point-blank if he’d be willing to return and help the Chiefs. His answer lit up the internet:
“I’m not saying no. I’m not saying no.”
Why Is Mathieu Open to Returning?
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To help his old friends win a ring: He revealed that he’s still in close contact with GM Brett Veach and especially with Head Coach Andy Reid. “Coach Reid’s grandson plays football with my son,” Mathieu added, calling the Chiefs family “one big family.”

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Fans are begging him to come back: Chiefs fans have flooded his inbox and X (Twitter) mentions, pleading for him to return and bring back the energy, swagger, and leadership this defense is missing.
“We’re missing a bit of that championship swagger,” Mathieu admitted.
A Legendary Run with the Chiefs (2022–2024)
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3 straight Pro Bowl/All-Pro seasons
13 interceptions in just 47 regular season games
Emotional and vocal leader of the defense under DC Steve Spagnuolo
But… Will It Really Happen?
As much as Chiefs Kingdom wants this reunion, the article warns fans to stay realistic:
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Mathieu is now 33 years old, past his physical prime
Coach Spagnuolo is known to stick to his plan and rarely makes midseason adjustments
The Chiefs’ defense just had its worst game of the year, getting shredded by CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens
Safety Bryan Cook was injured last week (though not seriously), and the Chiefs now face Texans WR Nico Collins in Week 14
Coach Andy Reid Responds: “This Is Not a Come-and-Go League”
When asked about the possibility of Tyrann Mathieu rejoining the team midseason, Head Coach Andy Reid gave a calm but firm response that reminded everyone of the NFL’s brutal reality:
“I love Tyrann. He meant a lot to this team. But this is not a come-and-go league. If you want to come back, it’s not about the name — it’s about the work. It’s about sacrifice. We’re in the middle of a war.”
Reid emphasized that while he respects Mathieu’s legacy and leadership, the current locker room needs committed soldiers, not sentimental heroes:
“You don’t just walk into this building because you used to lead it. You walk in because you’re ready to bleed for it again.”
While Reid didn’t completely shut the door, he made it clear that any return would have to go through proper evaluation — not fan pressure, not nostalgia.
Conclusion: Fans Can Dream, But the Chiefs Must Fight On
While a return in 2025 is unlikely, this surprising development has sparked hope. Perhaps in 2026 or 2027, we might see the “Honey Badger” in red and gold again.
“I’m not saying no…” Tyrann Mathieu just cracked open the door to one of the most dramatic NFL comebacks.










