Tennessee Titans cornerback Nazeeh Johnson is staring down a six-game NFL suspension for a performance-enhancing substances violation, but the story behind the ban is way more heartbreaking than a simple PED flag. The new Titans player revealed he unknowingly took a banned substance while undergoing fertility treatment as he and his wife tried to conceive. What a gut punch.
The Unseen Battle Behind the Suspension
Johnson took to social media Friday evening, sharing the incredibly vulnerable truth. He explained that he and his wife were trying to have a child, only to find out he was infertile. The medication he was taking to help them conceive contained a substance on the NFL’s banned list, leading to the positive PED test. This isn’t just about football, is it? His wife, Gabby J, underscored the pain, posting, “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 himself issued a stark warning to all NFL players: do not put anything in your body without following the proper process and getting approval beforehand. This is real life hitting hard.
Titans’ CB Depth Takes a Hit
The suspension begins August 30, meaning Johnson will miss the first six regular-season games without pay. He can still participate in Tennessee’s two remaining preseason games. The 28-year-old was listed as a third-string cornerback on the Titans’ first depth chart, so this is a blow to their depth, especially after he tied for the team lead with five tackles in their 19-13 preseason win against the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday night. Johnson signed with the Titans less than a month ago, coming over after four seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs where he won two Super Bowls. He played only two games last year due to a shoulder injury, but in his 29 career games, including six starts, he has recorded 66 tackles, three passes defensed, and one sack.
Johnson is eligible for reinstatement Monday, October 19. You have to hope that by then, not only is he ready to hit the field hard, but that his family is finding some peace and hope in their journey. This is a tough one to watch.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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