LSU's Les Miles explains where he went wrong with Tyrann Mathieu

Tyrann Mathieu has torn his ACL twice in three years in the NFL. He’s overcome a troubled past during his time at LSU, and now, he’s the league’s highest-paid safety.

Mathieu agreed to a five-year, $62.5 million deal Tuesday with the Arizona Cardinals, rewarding him for his perseverance and maturity in addition to his talent on the field. After being dismissed from LSU, it was unclear what the future held for Mathieu, but he proved to be a game-changing player for the Cardinals.

Looking back on it, LSU coach Les Miles isn’t pleased with the decision he made to kick Mathieu off the team despite not having much of an option after he failed at least 10 drug tests with the Tigers.

Miles was full of praise for his former standout defender, though.

“I think it's wonderful. God bless him. He’s a wonderful man,” Miles said. “I’m so happy for him, I can’t tell you.”

For as much as Miles thinks dismissing Mathieu was a bad move, it was arguably the best one he could have made. Mathieu was in need of a wakeup call, and he got that when he was no longer able to play football for the Tigers.

From that moment forward, he turned his life around and matured greatly. Had it not been for Miles’ decision to boot him off the squad, he may not be where he is today – a terrific person and player.