Nazeeh Johnson Opens Up on Suspension, Fertility Medication, and Pregnancy Loss

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Nazeeh Johnson Opens Up on Suspension, Fertility Medication, and Pregnancy Loss

Caleb Sisk · Athlon Sports

Sun, Aug 16, 2026 ·

4 min read

Titans safety details PED suspension, pregnancy loss

August 13, 2026; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jordan Watkins (17) is tackled by Tennessee Titans safety Nazeeh Johnson (36) and cornerback Derrick Canteen (42) during the fourth quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Imageshttps://www.tennesseetitans.com/news/titans-db-nazeeh-johnson-suspended-for-first-six-games-of-the-2026-regular-season

"My wife and I were trying to conceive a child," Johnson announced on his personal X account following the six-game suspension. "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. 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. 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."

Nazeeh Johnson's PED suspension tied to doctor dispute

Former Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Nazeeh Johnson against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason NFL game.Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Winchester Star reported that Johnson was told the medication would be fine to take. According to Johnson's account, the doctor later said he did not recall that conversation.

"Johnson said Clomid was recommended to him by a doctor not affiliated with the Kansas City Chiefs , the team he spent the first four years of his NFL career with. Before taking Clomid, Johnson said he checked with a doctor affiliated with the Chiefs to see if it was OK to take it. Johnson said he was told he could. However, after Johnson learned he had tested positive for banned substances in March, Johnson said that doctor told him he doesn't remember having that conversation," The Winchester Star reporter said.

"Johnson had an appeal hearing in front of an arbitrator on July 22 in which he sought to have the suspension nullified or reduced. In a phone interview on July 22, Johnson thought the hearing in which he provided a complete medical history went well. But Johnson was told on Wednesday that his appeal was denied."

Nazeeh Johnson suspension strains Titans defensive backs

Aug 4, 2026; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans head coach Robert Saleh talks with the media during training camp at Vanderbilt Health Football Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn ImagesIMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

As for the Titans, they will be taking another step in the hopes of figuring out their 53-man rotation and their lineup at defensive back. Prior to being suspended, Johnson was expected to be one of the players to make the cut and would serve as a second-or-third-string defensive back.

While the Titans still have players like Jalen McMurray they can use in a variety of roles, this is a real blow to the depth, leaving Tennessee with little margin for further injuries or suspensions at defensive back. This group isn't especially deep compared to other positions, and one setback like this one is difficult to absorb.

The Titans could be in danger if they don't get the depth chart sorted out, as between this suspension and recent injuries, the secondary's margin for error before the season begins is thin.

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Aug 16, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.