For once this season Tyrann Mathieu took his foot off the gas.
The standout starting rookie safety, who preceded everyone’s expectations after a roller coaster college career at LSU, spent some time Tuesday speaking, mentoring and playing with close to 100 students from the Sequoia Charter Schools in Mesa. Some of the third through eighth-graders deaf or hard of hearing.
“It’s a great opportunity for me to be out in the community and interact with kids,” Mathieu told Sports360AZ.com. “Just try to teach them valuable lessons like working out every day, trying to stay active.”
The event ran in conjunction with Sequoia Charters schools physical education and student wellness programs as part of their “Get Active” campaign for students.
Mathieu guided the students through mini-workouts which included a few warm-up push-ups, a couple footwork drills and some pass-catching activities. He started by addressing the students and even answering a few questions.
“It’s always great to talk to the kids,” he explained to Sports360AZ.com. “They always ask crazy questions.”
It was a day Mathieu and the students won’t soon forget.
“A lot of these kids will never have the opportunity in their life to ever see a pro game live or meet a pro player,” Sequoia Athletic Director Robert McCormick said. “Once in a lifetime…they’re excited.”
Mathieu said he enjoys a little down time in-season when the schedule allows but the Cards (5-4) have plenty to play for over the next seven weeks.
“We’re on a playoff run. We feel like we’re a playoff team. We definitely have to finish strong.”
The Cardinals travel to Jacksonville to take on the Jaguars (1-8) Sunday. Kickoff is 11:00.
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Eric Sorenson
A Valley native, Eric has had a passion for the Arizona sports scene since an early age. He has covered some of the biggest events including Super Bowls, national championships and the NBA and MLB playoffs in his near 20 years in local media.