Tyrann Mathieu issues rallying cry to Saints fans: build around Tyler Shough
NEW ORLEANS — Former Saints star Tyrann Mathieu is making waves on social media after Sunday’s gutsy win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, calling on the city and fanbase to rally behind rookie quarterback Tyler Shough — and to make him the face of the franchise for years to come.
“I said it on my new podcast: The Saints should build everything around Tyler,” Mathieu wrote via X. “He showed me something today!!! His numbers won’t wow you but it’s the critical-situation football he’s winning! This city should absolutely get behind him and embrace him as QB for the next decade!! Get him some more weapons and a good defense! Saints aren’t far off from bouncing back and competing in this division!”
Long revered as one of Louisiana’s own — first as a collegiate standout at LSU and later an NFL star whose fearless play earned him the nickname “Honey Badger” — Mathieu’s endorsement carries extra weight among New Orleans fans yearning for a true long-term quarterback answer.
A clutch win and a compelling case
Sunday’s 24–20 triumph over Tampa Bay marked a breakout moment for Shough. While his passing line — 13 of 20 for 144 yards and an interception — hardly dazzled, it was his legs that provided the explosive punch: two rushing touchdowns and 55 yards on the ground, including a 13-yard scramble that sealed the victory late in the fourth quarter.
That performance represents Shough’s fifth start this season — and by now he has more wins in those starts than former starter Spencer Rattler did in 14 games.
What’s more, coaches and teammates reportedly believe Shough brings a new dimension to the Saints’ offense. His size (6-foot-5), rushing ability, and willingness to take off when plays break down give New Orleans a dynamic edge not seen in recent years.
The bigger picture: rebirth under a new signal-caller
For a franchise that has cycled through multiple quarterbacks since the retirement of legend Drew Brees — from veteran stop-gaps to stop-gap stops — Shough’s emergence offers a glimmer of stability.
Mathieu’s comments carry extra gravity: this isn’t just another analyst talking. He’s lived the grind, battled through the league and succeeded at its highest levels. If he sees “something” in Shough, many in Saints nation should take note.
By publicly endorsing Shough as the long-term answer — “give him the keys,” as he put it — Mathieu is effectively putting pressure on the front office to commit to the rookie, while also demanding more support around him in terms of weapons and defensive upgrades.
Can the fanbase – and the team – commit for the long haul?
There’s a growing sense of cautious optimism in The Big Easy. Shough, with flashes of mobility and composure under pressure, is starting to draw comparisons to franchise-defining quarterbacks of the past. But consistency will be critical.
Sunday’s surge was impressive. Yet for New Orleans to truly “build everything” around him — as Mathieu insists — the next few games and, more importantly, the 2026 offseason, will be defining.
Still, after a gritty road win and a ringing endorsement from one of the city’s icons, the mood around the Saints franchise may be shifting. For fans who have longed for a steady hand at quarterback, Mathieu’s message is simple: get behind the young man — and let him lead the next chapter.