SVP acknowledges Tyrann "Honey Badger" Mathieu's new 5-year deal from the Arizona Cardinals as he becomes the highest paid safety in the NFL. (2:19)

GLENDALE, Ariz. – As Tyrann Mathieu’s teammates heard about the five-year, $62.5 million extension he received Tuesday, they displayed an honest, genuine happiness for the Honey Badger.

“He’s very deserving,” defensive tackle Calais Campbell said. “There’s a lot of guys who played very well and made big-time plays, but he’s been special.

“He’s been the heart and soul of our defense the last couple of years. When he’s on the field, we’re that much better. He’s very deserving.”

Campbell has known Mathieu for just three years. But for those who have known Mathieu longer, the Honey Badger’s ascent to become one of the league’s top defensive backs has been personal.

“I was excited for my dog, man,” said Kevin Minter, who played with Mathieu at LSU, starting as a freshman. “He worked hard for it. He deserved it. It’s crazy how I’ve seen him come up from freshman year, from a little runt freshman to now. And just seeing how he’s grown to being an All-Pro, Pro Bowl guy, it’s a real blessing.”

Minter has watched Mathieu’s ups and downs first-hand during the past six years. What stands out most to Minter is the “adult” that Mathieu has become.

“He’s really turned into a pro,” Minter said. “He’s obviously had his problems in college. People thought he had that stigma going in. You’ve seen the shift in him from that kid into that man. I have nothing but respect for that man. Like I said, it’s a true blessing to get what he deserves.”

Mathieu’s Cardinals teammates all rave about the type of teammate he is.

Cardinals safety Tyrann Mathieu has come a long way since his days at LSU, said teammate Kevin Minter, who also played with Mathieu in college. AP Photo/Rick Scuteri

“Ty is an unbelievable teammate,” Campbell said. “He’s a great guy in the locker room. He’s a guy I want in my fox hole.

“The front office did a great job of trying to lock him up.”

Aside from Mathieu’s talents, what has stood out to Campbell has been the Honey Badger’s passion.

“I don’t think anybody else is as passionate as he is when it comes to being on the field and motivating guys,” Campbell said. “He’s little, but he’s fiery. He gets us going. I got lot of respect for him.

“When he speaks, everybody listens. He commands the room.”

And it’s a room that likes Mathieu.

Campbell said Mathieu is different behind closed doors than he is in front of the media in public. He’s not as shy or quiet in front of his teammates. He also has an infectious sense of humor.

“He’s just a likeable guy,” Campbell said. “He’s fun to be around. He’s funny. He’s charming. He likes to have a good time. I know you guys think he’s kind of quiet. He has a very calm demeanor, but he’s definitely a funny dude and he’s just fun to be around.

“You see the way he works. You see other guys working hard and respecting the craft and the game, you take lot of respect in that.”