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Former LSU Star Tyrann Mathieu Reveals Desperate Measures to Beat Drug Tests
Mathieu's attempts to stay eligible nearly cost him his life, but he rebounded to become an NFL star.
Jan. 30, 2026 at 10:15am
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Former NFL All-Pro safety Tyrann Mathieu detailed the extreme lengths he went to in an attempt to beat drug tests while starring for the LSU Tigers, including drinking bleach, which nearly cost him his life. Mathieu said he tried nearly every method he heard about, including having others attempt to take tests for him and using fake devices, all while knowing continued failures could end his college career. Ultimately, repeated failed tests led to his dismissal from the program in 2012, but Mathieu's career rebounded in remarkable fashion as he went on to become a key part of the Kansas City Chiefs' secondary and win a Super Bowl.
Why it matters
Mathieu's story highlights the desperate measures some college athletes may take to stay eligible, and the serious risks involved. His resilience and ability to overcome setbacks also make him an inspiring figure in the sports world.
The details
Mathieu said he once drank bleach after seeing a post online that claimed it could help alter test results. "My whole insides were erupting. I was throwing it up. At that point I was like, 'I've run out of tricks,'" he said. Mathieu admitted he tried nearly every method he heard about, including having others attempt to take tests for him and using fake devices, all while knowing continued failures could end his college career.
- Mathieu was dismissed from the LSU program in 2012 due to repeated failed drug tests.
- Mathieu was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft.
- Mathieu won a Super Bowl with the Kansas City Chiefs following the 2019 season.
The players
Tyrann Mathieu
A former NFL All-Pro safety who starred for the LSU Tigers before being dismissed from the program in 2012 due to repeated failed drug tests.
Arizona Cardinals
The NFL team that selected Mathieu in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft after his dismissal from LSU.
Kansas City Chiefs
The NFL team that Mathieu joined and won a Super Bowl with following the 2019 season, adding to his legacy as a resilient and talented player.
What they’re saying
“I come across something that said put a little bleach in your Coca-Cola. So I did that. My whole insides were erupting. I was throwing it up. At that point I was like, 'I've run out of tricks.'”
— Tyrann Mathieu, Former NFL Player
The takeaway
Mathieu's story serves as a cautionary tale about the desperate measures some college athletes may take to stay eligible, and the serious risks involved. However, his resilience and ability to overcome setbacks and become an NFL star also make him an inspiring figure in the sports world.
