From Business Insider · Jane Ridley · · 2m
The Honey Badger's wife learns football on the fly
Kandra Mathieu married an NFL star without understanding the game, and she's fine with that.
In brief
Kandra Mathieu married an NFL star without understanding the game, and she's fine with that. You don't need to share your partner's passions to support them, and retirement can be a chance to build your own identity. Originally reported by Business Insider.
She met an NFL star by accident
Kandra Mathieu, 27, struck up a conversation with Tyrann Mathieu at a clothing store in New Orleans in fall 2022. They discovered they were both raised in the same area and had never crossed paths before.
She still doesn't understand football
Kandra admits she's clueless about the rules and logistics of the game, even after years with Tyrann. Her mother, a die-hard Saints fan, joked that she wished Kandra had her brain for understanding football.
“I wish you had my brain”
His dedication to the sport was clear
Tyrann's commitment showed in every detail: early dinners so he could mentally prepare, strict diets of portioned potatoes, asparagus, and steak. Kandra realized the discipline required to play team sports versus her individual track background.
“You have to wake up every day wanting to win, not for yourself, but for everyone else, too.”
A concussion changed everything
In January 2025, Tyrann suffered a concussion and was taken off the field. Unlike previous concussions, he wasn't allowed back. Kandra described the fear of watching him carried off on a stretcher as her worst nightmare.
“Seeing them being carried off on a stretcher is something I never want to witness again.”
He retired at 33, unexpectedly
About a week after their daughter was born in 2024, Tyrann decided to retire from the NFL. He told Kandra he'd been playing long enough, though she was genuinely taken aback when he followed through.
Retirement brought them closer together
Tyrann and Kandra now spend their days at home with their children, watching movies, learning to cook New Orleans dishes together, and exploring the grounds of their house. They've become what Kandra calls "recluses in a good way."
“Tyrann and I laugh that his retirement has turned us into recluses, in a good way.”
She's building her own identity now
Kandra studied aesthetics and is building her Instagram focused on style and beauty. She's in a place of rediscovery, letting people see her for who she is rather than as the wife of someone everybody knows.
“letting people see me for who I am rather than as the wife of someone everybody knows.”
The essence
You don't need to share your partner's passions to support them, and retirement can be a chance to build your own identity.
