In a shocking revelation, former LSU standout and NFL star Tyrann Mathieu has detailed the extreme lengths he went to in order to pass drug tests during his college days, including a dangerous method that nearly ended his life. On his podcast, 'In The Bayou', Mathieu opened up about his struggles with substance abuse, which ultimately led to his dismissal from the LSU football team and shaped his professional journey.
A College Career Marred by Personal Demons
Tyrann Mathieu is widely regarded as one of the greatest players ever to wear an LSU uniform, earning a rare distinction as a defensive player by becoming a Heisman Trophy finalist during his sophomore year. His on-field dominance made him a standout figure in college football, yet his time in Baton Rouge was cut short due to off-field issues.
Despite his athletic prowess, Mathieu played only two seasons for LSU before being dismissed from the team ahead of his junior year. Reports indicated that repeated failures in drug tests were the primary reason for his removal, a situation that forced him into desperate measures to avoid detection.
Extreme Methods and a Brush with Death
On the podcast episode, Mathieu candidly discussed the various tricks he employed to try and pass drug screenings, describing a harrowing experience that he initially found amusing but later acknowledged as life-threatening. "I done tried everything in the books," he explained. "You know, I've used other people['s] urine, they got the fake penises."
However, it was a particularly reckless attempt that stands out. Mathieu recounted how, in a moment of desperation, he turned to online searches for solutions. "I come across some s**t that said just put some bleach in the [bottle] top... and put it in your Coca-Cola," he said. After following this advice, he experienced severe physical distress. "It felt like my whole insides was just erupting, you know what I'm saying? I end up throwing that s**t up. At that point, I was like man, f*** it I ran out of tricks."
Reflecting on the incident, Mathieu admitted, "I could have died," highlighting the grave risks he took in his bid to salvage his college football career.
Fallout and Redemption in the NFL
The consequences of Mathieu's drug use were severe. In October 2012, he was arrested for possession of marijuana along with three other former LSU players, further tarnishing his reputation. His off-field issues caused him to plummet down NFL draft boards, with character concerns leading to his selection in the third round, 69th overall, by the Arizona Cardinals, despite being considered a first-round talent.
Nevertheless, Mathieu's talent shone through in the professional arena. He enjoyed a decorated NFL career, earning three first-team All-Pro selections, one second-team All-Pro honour, and three Pro Bowl appearances. His crowning achievement came when he won Super Bowl LIV with the Kansas City Chiefs, adding a championship ring to his list of accolades.
Over his career, Mathieu played for the Cardinals, Houston Texans, Chiefs, and his hometown New Orleans Saints before retiring in 2024. His journey serves as a stark reminder of how personal struggles can intersect with athletic success, ultimately shaping a legacy that is both triumphant and cautionary.
