Tennessee Titans player Nazeeh Johnson has been suspended for six games without pay for violating the NFL's Performance Enhancing Drug policy. Johnson revealed on social media that the violation stemmed from fertility medication he took as he and his wife attempted to start a family.
Johnson stated that he was unaware the medication contained a substance on the league's banned list. He and his wife, Gabrielle, had been undergoing treatments to conceive when they learned he was infertile. The medication was intended to assist in this process.
"My wife and I were trying to conceive a child," Johnson posted on X. "We found out that I was infertile, and I took a fertility medication that was helping me try to conceive a baby. 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."
The couple recently experienced a miscarriage. "We lost our baby a few weeks ago, and this has been an incredibly difficult time for my wife and me," Johnson said. Gabrielle Johnson shared a post detailing the fertility treatment regimen, describing it as a painful and difficult journey.
The suspension marks another significant setback for Johnson, who was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2022. He missed the entire 2023 season after tearing his ACL during training camp and had his 2025 season cut short after playing only two games due to a shoulder injury. He signed a one-year contract with the Titans this offseason.
Despite the recent hardship, Johnson expressed hope for the future, noting they have "nine good eggs left" and are "holding on to hope that we’ll be able to grow our family."
Johnson advised other NFL players to be cautious with any substances they put into their bodies. "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," he said.
The suspension is scheduled to end on October 19, and Johnson will be eligible to return to his team on October 23.