Tennessee Titans cornerback Nazeeh Johnson has been suspended for the first six games of the NFL season due to a violation of the league's policy on performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs). Johnson, 28, revealed that the failed test stemmed from a fertility medication he was taking.
In a statement on X, formerly Twitter, Johnson explained that he and his wife, Gabrielle, were trying to conceive a child. He stated that they discovered he was infertile, and he began taking a fertility medication to aid the process. Johnson indicated he was unaware that the medication contained a substance banned by the NFL.
"We lost our baby a few weeks ago, and this has been an incredibly difficult time for my wife and me," Johnson wrote. "Fortunately, we have nine good eggs left, so we're holding on to hope that we'll be able to grow our family."
Johnson advised other NFL players to ensure any substances they take are approved by the league. The NFL's PED policy allows players to apply for therapeutic use exemptions for certain medications. It remains unclear if Johnson sought such an exemption.
The suspension will cost Johnson $350,000 in game checks. The ban is set to begin with the regular season, allowing him to participate in practices and preseason games until August 30. Following this period, he would not be permitted to return to the team facility until October 19.
Johnson, who previously won two Super Bowls with the Kansas City Chiefs, has faced injury challenges in recent years. He signed with the Titans in the offseason. His wife, Gabrielle, a former track star at Georgia State, is pictured here on the field at Arrowhead.
