Fertility medication caused drug ban, says NFL player

Two-time Super Bowl winner Nazeeh Johnson believes he tested positive for a banned substance because of fertility medication he was taking.

The Tennessee Titans cornerback has been suspended for six regular-season games without pay for violating the NFL's performance-enhancing substances policy.

The 28-year-old says that he and his wife have received fertility treatment after being told that he was infertile.

"I was not aware that there was a substance in the medication that was on the banned list and I tested positive for a PED [performance-enhancing drug]," he said on X., external

"Lesson to all NFL players and new players coming into the league: do not put anything in your body without following the process and getting approval beforehand.

"We lost our baby a few weeks ago, and this has been an incredibly difficult time for my wife and me. Fortunately, we have nine good eggs left, so we're holding on to hope that we'll be able to grow our family."

Johnson was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2022 and helped them win the Super Bowl in 2023 and 2024, before joining Tennessee in July.

He is eligible to participate in all pre-season activities, including games, before his suspension begins on 30 August.

The Titans' season opener is on 13 September and Johnson will be eligible for reinstatement on Monday, 19 October.

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