Cardinals safety Tyrann Matheiu walks to the stadium Saturday -- in front of a sign that says "Once a Tiger, Always a Tiger" -- prior to LSU's game against Alabama.
Tyrann Mathieu understands why there was some mixed reaction after the news he pledged $1 million Saturday to the Louisiana State University football program.
The Cardinals all-pro safety was kicked out of that program for marijuana issues, after all, and left school before finding his way to the NFL.
"Obviously a lot of people appreciate what I did (with the donation)," Mathieu said. "There are other people who want me to
necessarily hold a grudge with (LSU). But I don't have a grudge with them, or anything like that.
"If anything, I'm the one they should be mad at, because of what I did and how I disrespected my responsibility and my platform. There have been some mixed emotions, but it was always in my heart to do this."
Mathieu's donation will be used for improvements to the LSU Football Operation Center, as well as establish an endowed scholarship to the program.
"I've got great respect for LSU, the way they embraced me, the way they let me become a superstar and a household name," Mathieu said. "All the things they did for me to try and help me off the football field, just wanted to reach back out to them.
"It won't end there. I'll probably help out my high school, some other places as well. I'm just really grateful to be in the position I am in."
LSU athletic director Joe Alleva told the school's website "this gift from Tyrann is a wonderful act from someone that I have great respect and admiration for."
"Tyrann has been an example to our student-athletes on how to deal with adversity and come out on top," Alleva added.
Former LSU football coach Les Miles, who was fired recently, visited Mathieu's football camp in New Orleans in June and has said one
of his biggest regrets as a coach was dismissing Mathieu from the program.
But Mathieu has said repeatedly the rough time he had at LSU helped him grow as a person and get his life together. While Mathieu always insists his work in that area is ongoing, he has been everything the Cardinals could have hoped since they made him a third-round pick in 2013. At this point, only injuries have been a problem.
Mathieu has done well enough to sign a contract extension in training camp worth $21 million over the next two years alone, leading him to seek out charity. A year ago, after Mathieu accompanied Patrick Peterson to a game at LSU as Peterson was pledging $1 million to the school himself, Mathieu could only smile while playing on his own rookie contract.
"I don't have a million dollars," Mathieu said at the time. "Hopefully I can play well this season and get one of those really good contracts."
Once he did, he thought of matching Peterson's LSU donation.
"I think that's what life is about, giving back, helping other people," Mathieu said. "Anything they need. It's a blessing to be in this position."
Photos from Tyrann Mathieu's house in New Orleans and his trip back there in June

Mathieu holds his sons Tyrann Jr. (left) and Noah

Mathieu's high school jersey

Outside St. Augustine High School, Mathieu's alma mater

Mathieu with his adoptive parents, Tyrone Sr. and Sheila, when the Cardinals visited the New Orleans Saints in 2013

High school photos

Mathieu's Pro Bowl jersey with a message for his parents

Mathieu at LSU

Mathieu gives a kiss

A photo of Mathieu in high school

Mathieu plays with his godson, Titan

A what-could-have-been Madden video game cover

Some Mathieu football memorabilia

Mathieu's high school diploma

Mathieu with his godson Titan and his son Tyrann Jr.

An LSU reminder

Mathieu and Tyrann Jr.

Enjoying the party in the backyard, smoke from the grill filling the air

The bouncehouse at the birthday party

Singing happy birthday to Tyrann Jr.

Mathieu puts shoes on his son, Noah

Outside Tad Gormley Stadium

Mathieu gets wired up by NFL Films

Inside Tad Gormley Stadium

Mathieu addresses his campers

Mathieu watches a camper

Mathieu sprays water on some of the kids during his camp

Mathieu before his camp, accompanied by brother Tyrone Mathieu Jr.

Del Lee-Collins, one of Mathieu's high school coaches, teaches at the camp

Mathieu with his college coach, Les Miles, at Mathieu's youth camp

Patrick Peterson Sr. coaches at Mathieu's camp

LSU running back Leonard Fournette, a friend of Mathieu's

Mathieu talks to some kids

Mathieu talks a camper through a drill

Having some fun with his campers