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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?

  • 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.”

Tyrann Mathieu signs with New Orleans Saints | 2022 NFL Free Agency

  • 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)

  • 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:

    • 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”

    Chiefs' Andy Reid Makes Admission Before Bills Game - Athlon Sports

    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.

    Panthers Legend Furious, Calls for Team to Reclaim His Rights Because NFL is So Unfair!
    Can you believe it? Cam Newton, the immortal icon of the Carolina Panthers, is absolutely raging! Overnight, the bombshell from Philip Rivers has pushed the 2015 MVP legend to speak out, accusing the NFL of playing "double standards" and urging his old team, the Panthers, to stand up and demand justice for him! Imagine this: Philip Rivers, the 44 year old veteran who's been retired for a full 5 years, suddenly signs a contract to return with the Indianapolis Colts after Daniel Jones' horrific injury (torn Achilles). This isn't Hollywood fiction, it's a shocking NFL reality! Rivers, once a "family member" of the Colts, is welcomed back like a hero, while Cam Newton, the guy who led the Panthers to Super Bowl 50 and still has a burning passion, is tossed aside like yesterday's trash. In the latest episode of his podcast 4th and 1 (released on 12/10/2025), Newton couldn't hold back anymore. He roared: "Did Philip Rivers send any signals that he's ready? I haven't and won't retire! For an opportunity like this! I don't care if he's 'family' to them. He's 44, bro! Why do you hold Cam Newton to sky high standards that you don't apply to everyone else?" Newton's words are like a punch straight to the NFL's face! He feels this is a "slap in the face" to his illustrious career, from being the No. 1 pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, to 2015 MVP, to being "discarded" after the 2021 season. Newton has never officially retired, and now he's calling on the Panthers, the team that was once his home, to take action! "Demand my rights back! The NFL is unfair, and Panthers fans deserve a legend's return!", That's the implicit message Newton is sending, shattering the hearts of millions of fans. Cam Says CALL HIM After Rivers Returns, Shedeur DISRESPECT Continues & Richard Sherman WRONGNew episode of 4th&1 out now!📺: https://t.co/hdru5DuZV7 pic.twitter.com/or8TykRhYd — 4th&1 with Cam Newton (@4thand1show) December 10, 2025 Remember? Newton returned to the Panthers in 2021 as a PR stunt, but the terrible head coach Matt Rhule ruined it all. Rhule blamed Newton, firing offensive coordinator Joe Brady right after Brady spent the entire bye week working with him. The result? Newton failed, and the NFL turned its back. Now, with Rivers being "resurrected" at 44, Newton sees the bias clearly: "Connections" and "family ties" are the key, not talent! Panthers fans are boiling over! They've idolized Newton from day one, and now this story is like a tragedy: Their hero forgotten, while "old man" Rivers gets a golden chance. Newton still has the passion, still wants to play, so why not give him a shot? Is this the moment the Panthers rise up and push the NFL to reconsider? Or will we see Newton explode even more on media?