Tyrann Mathieu recalls a big pick against Philip Rivers

Even though the Kansas City Chiefs have kept their AFC West rival Los Angeles Chargers largely at bay in recent years, their former quarterback Philip Rivers has always been a tough opponent to handle.

Speaking with Kay Adams of NFL Network’s “Good Morning Football” on Monday, Chiefs safety Tyrann Mathieu remembered one incident with Rivers in 2019’s Week 17 matchup.

“I think they were on the 10-yard line,” Mathieu recalled. “They were like going in the end zone — and Rivers, he’s not in the huddle, but he’s kind of like standing off to the side. He’s looking at me and Frank Clark, and he’s like, ‘Hey, Frank Clark! Hey 32! They gave you all all that money, when are you guys going to make a play?’”

“So it just so happens that come back next series and I picked him off, so that was pretty cool.”

Mathieu said he is going to miss bantering with Rivers during hard-fought division games.

“He’s just so funny, man, and he means no harm and you know that, but somehow he still finds a way to kind of get under your skin. He’s a good guy at heart, but he’s pretty hilarious on the field, especially because he doesn’t use any foul words.”

In all probability, the Chiefs are not entirely finished with Rivers. While they won’t be facing the Indianapolis Colts — the team for which Rivers is now playing — during 2020’s regular season, they could still meet him in the playoffs. They are next scheduled to face the Colts in 2022.