NFL player blames fertility medication for positive drug test

NFL cornerback Nazeeh Johnson, 28, has been suspended for six games due to a positive drug test, which he claims was caused by a fertility medication he was taking while attempting to start a family with his wife. The NFL imposed the suspension without pay for the first six games of the 2026 regular season, effective from August 30.

Johnson and his wife were undergoing fertility treatment after discovering Johnson's infertility. Johnson expressed shock that the medication contained a substance banned under the NFL's rules, stating he was unaware of this when he began taking it. The couple also recently experienced the loss of a baby, adding to the emotional challenges they are facing.

Johnson urged other NFL players to avoid taking medications without checking for banned substances, emphasizing the importance of following the proper approval process. The Titans signed Johnson in July after he spent his first four NFL seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs. This suspension means Johnson will miss the Titans' first six regular-season games if he remains on the roster, with reinstatement eligibility set for October 19.

The NFL denied the family's appeal of the suspension, despite providing over 50 documents in support.