Arizona Cardinals defensive back Tyrann Mathieu has revealed that playing football "saved his life" growing up in New Orleans.
The 21-year-old will return to the city where he grew up and started his career with the Cardinals on Sunday, when they play the New Orleans Saints.
"Man, New Orleans, you can't cling on to many things and most of the things you cling on to are bad things," Mathieu told reporters. "But for me, it was all about sports.
"I played sports all year round. Sports saved my life. There aren't many outlets. There aren't many things you can do besides pursue a career in sports."
Mathieu was drafted 69th overall by the Cardinals in the 2013 Draft.
