Tyrann Mathieu revealed he once drank bleach in a desperate attempt to pass drug tests while playing at LSU, nearly causing serious harm to himself in the process.
The former NFL All-Pro safety detailed the incident during a recent episode of his podcast, In The Bayou with Tyrann Mathieu. Mathieu said he found advice online suggesting the dangerous method could help alter test results.
“I come across something that said put a little bleach in your Coca-Cola,” Mathieu said. “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 almost died trying to pass a drug test at LSU
“It felt like my whole insides were erupting… at that point I was like, ‘f*ck it, I’ve run out of tricks.'” pic.twitter.com/qxvijVWnqb
— In The Bayou With Tyrann Mathieu (@InTheBayouPod) January 29, 2026
The LSU star said he tried nearly every method he heard about to stay eligible. This included having others take tests for him and using fake devices.
Mathieu knew continued failures could end his college career.
LSU dismissed him from the program in 2012 after repeated failed drug tests. The setback appeared to derail what had been a promising college career for the Tigers’ defensive back.
His career rebounded in fashion after entering the NFL. The Arizona Cardinals selected Mathieu in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft despite the off-field concerns.
He quickly emerged as one of the league’s top defensive playmakers.
Mathieu earned multiple Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections throughout his career. He became a key part of Kansas City’s secondary after joining the Chiefs.
The Chiefs won Super Bowl LIV following the 2019 season with Mathieu as a starter in their defensive backfield. His career became defined by resilience as much as talent on the field.
