Nazeeh Johnson says fertility drug caused positive test ahead of six-game NFL suspension

Nazeeh Johnson said fertility medication caused a positive drug test that led to a six-game suspension from the NFL, and his ban will begin on 30 August ahead of the Tennessee Titans’ season. The 28-year-old cornerback has been suspended for six regular-season games.

Johnson, a Tennessee Titans cornerback, spent his first four NFL seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs after being drafted by them in 2022 and was part of their Super Bowl-winning teams in 2023 and 2024 before joining Tennessee in July. He and his wife have been undergoing fertility treatment after being told he was infertile.

On X, Johnson addressed the positive test directly: "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. He added: "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."

Johnson also disclosed personal details about the couple’s fertility journey, saying: "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." The player linked the medication used in their treatment to the substance that produced the positive result.

The suspension is without pay for violating the NFL's performance-enhancing substances policy. Johnson is permitted to take part in all pre-season activities, including pre-season games, before the suspension commences on 30 August; the Titans open their regular season on 13 September.

Johnson will be eligible for reinstatement on Monday, 19 October.