Mathieu Signs $62 Million Contract Extension With Cardinals

Tyrann Mathieu experienced both extremes in his football journey. His highs led to his lows, but his story is now one of redemption.

Getting drafted by the Arizona Cardinals changed Mathieu's life, and they rewarded him Tuesday with a 5-year contract extension worth $62.5 million, with $40 million guaranteed.

Mathieu's response on Twitter was one word, "Blessed." His relationship with his LSU friend and Cardinals teammate Patrick Peterson helped him find faith again. He looks clear-headed and focused, and if Mathieu keeps working like he did to earn this contract, he could earn the right to be called one of the best defensive players in the NFL.

Players like Mathieu don't come around too often. People throw around the word "instinctual" a lot about football players, but the plays Mathieu makes sometime even defy that phrasing. He knows where the ball is going, or where he needs to be before the play even heads that direction. He belongs on a football field, and the Cardinals want to make sure he stays in Arizona for a long time.

There's only one way to celebrate this contract extension, with highlights.