Tyrann Mathieu has said that he is ready for the challenges that face him after joining the Arizona Cardinals.

The former LSU safety was a finalist in the 2011 Heisman Trophy trophy but was dismissed from the team in 2012 for violating team rules, before entering a drug rehabilitation program in August.

The third-round Draft pick, who was known as the "Honey Badger" during his college career, told reporters: "Just letting my actions speak for themselves. I think that solves everything. I'm looking forward to it.

"I definitely have a long journey in front of me, definitely going to be some challenges but I think I'm prepared for it.

"I don't have anything against the 'Honey Badger', it's just that 'Honey Badger' happened at such a dark time in my life. If the little kids out there want to call me the Honey Badger, they can do that."

Mathieu will take part in training drills for the first time in nine months when he attends the Cardinals rookie minicamp this weekend.