NEWYou can now listen to Pakinomist articles!
Long before Tyrann Mathieu received NFL All-Pro honors, the defensive back rose to stardom at LSU.
Mathieu played just two collegiate seasons before his dismissal in 2012 and subsequent entry into a drug rehabilitation program. On a recent episode of his “In the Bayou with Tyrann Mathieu” podcast, the retired football star reflected on going to extreme lengths to maintain his college football eligibility.
The drastic decision to consume bleach to try to bypass a drug test almost cut Mathieu’s life short. Mathieu, who became known as “Honeybadger,” said he took the risk after seeing a post online that highlighted bleach’s ability to manipulate test results.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON Pakinomist
LSU safety Tyrann Mathieu during game against Tennessee at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., Oct. 15, 2011. (Andrew Hancock/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)
“I’m just scrolling, scrolling, and I come across some s— where it says a little bleach in your Coca-Cola,” Mathieu said. “So I did it. … It felt like my whole insides were like exploding. I end up throwing the s— up. At that point I’m like, ‘I ran out of tricks. I don’t know what to do.'”
NFL WILL DISCUSS PLAYER SAFETY PENALTIES FOR OFFICIALS
Mathieu also recalled trying several methods to avoid producing a test result that would disrupt his college career, including using fake devices or other individuals’ samples during testing.
“I’ve tried everything in the books,” he said.
The 33-year-old said his experience with bleach caused more harm than good, adding: “It backfired.”
New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason game at State Farm Stadium on August 10, 2024 in Glendale, Ariz. (Mark J. Rebilas/USA Today Sports)
Mathieu finished his freshman season with 4½ sacks, two interceptions and two forced fumbles. He was named Southeastern Conference Defensive Player of the Year and a consensus All-American the following season. He never returned to the LSU football team after his dismissal, instead entering the 2013 NFL Draft.
The Arizona Cardinals selected Mathieu in the third round. Two years later, Mathieu was named to the first Pro Bowl of his career and became a first-team All-Pro selection.
Kansas City Chiefs safety Tyrann Mathieu gets ready before the snap against the Denver Broncos in the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium December 5, 2021 in Kansas City, Mo. (Jay Biggerstaff/USA Today Sports)
During his 12-year NFL career, Mathieu was considered one of the league’s premier defensive backs. He retired after the 2024 season, finishing his stellar career as a three-time Pro Bowler, four-time All-Pro selection and with 36 interceptions.
Mathieu played a key role in the Kansas City Chiefs’ run to the Super Bowl LIV title.
Tyrann Mathieu says drastic drug testing measures at LSU nearly cost him his life: ‘Tried everything in the books’
