Tyrann Mathieu Declares Himself ‘Different Breed’ on Twitter

The athlete Twitter account can be a dangerous tool. Perhaps Tyrann Mathieu, LSU’s Heisman Trophy finalist cornerback, was the victim of a prankster on Friday. Other athletes have had potentially inflammatory tweets make their way onto the internet unbeknownst to them. Don’t expect Mathieu to make the claims of hack that followed past Twitter tirades from Paul Pierce, Matt McGloin and others.

Mathieu rocked timelines with the same ferocity that made him one of college football’s leaders in forced fumbles last season, posting a series of messages that made his intentions very clear: he plans on taking his game even further in 2012 than his outstanding 2011.

And indeed, the Honey Badger was excellent during the Tigers’ 13-0 run to the BCS championship game. He was a dynamo who surrendered zero touchdowns, took the ball away as if he were Gary Payton playing hoops, and was a threat to go to the end zone any time any opponent punted. Twice, he went all the way to the house and finished the year over 400 yards returning.

But four receptions given up against Alabama have drawn criticism against Mathieu’s coverage abilities, which he referenced on Friday night. Perhaps those criticisms came at an undue level. The title game is the most fresh in fans’ and pundits’ minds, and many who follow college football are accurate impersonators of Tom Hanks’ old “Saturday Night Live” character, Mr. Short Term Memory.

Forgotten was the incredible season Honey Badger put together. And it was incredible. Only twice since Michigan’s Charles Woodson won the Heisman in 1997 have defensive players been nominated for the game’s top individual honor. One was Ndamukong Suh in 2009, the other Mathieu last season.

Doubt No. 7 all you want. Just know that Honey Badger just don’t care.