The Arizona Cardinals and safety Tyrann Mathieu couldn't come to an agreement on a requested pay cut, leading to the release of the Honey Badger on Wednesday.
But Mathieu, the Cardinals' third-round draft pick in 2013, doesn't appear to be bitter about the development, as he sent a thank-you note to the Birdgang on Wednesday afternoon.
Along with thanking Cards president Michael Bidwill, general manager Steve Keim and former coach Bruce Arians for his time in Arizona, Mathieu thanked Cards fans for their support and noted he'll continue to be active in the community.
"I want to THANK the entire cardinals organization for everything they have done for me over the past 5 years. Personally thanking Michael, Steve & B.A for believing in me. I will miss the fans and my teammates more than anything! My work in the Arizona community will continue!" Mathieu tweeted.
I want to THANK the entire cardinals organization for everything they have done for me over the past 5years. Personally thanking Michael, Steve & B.A for believing in me. I will miss the fans and my teammates more than anything! My work in the Arizona community will continue!
— Tyrann Mathieu (@Mathieu_Era) March 14, 2018
In the Cardinals' statement about Mathieu's release, Keim expressed his affection for the Honey Badger.
"I've never made a secret that Tyrann has always had a special place in my heart and always will," Keim said. "While we all understand this apart of the business, that certainly doesn't make it any easier. We all wish Tyrann nothing but continued success in his career and beyond."
Mathieu retweeted and replied to a number of people who thanked him for his time in Arizona wished him well going forward, including Arizona governor Doug Ducey.
Class act! Very rare in these times. You will be missed and @Mathieu_Era will always have a HUGE fan base in #Arizona. Thanks for the @AZCardinals memories and great example. https://t.co/eOcSh4aQA1
— Doug Ducey (@dougducey) March 15, 2018
Thanks for your leadership and support my guy! https://t.co/wDLmGITrsr
— Tyrann Mathieu (@Mathieu_Era) March 15, 2018
