Long before Tyrann Mathieu earned NFL All-Pro honors, the defensive back was a star at Louisiana State University.

Matthew played just two college seasons before being fired in 2012 and subsequently entering a drug rehab program. in his latest episode “On the Bayou with Tyrann Mathieu” In the podcast, the retired football star reflects on going to great lengths to maintain his college football eligibility.

Mathieu’s life was nearly cut short by the fateful decision to take bleach to avoid a drug test. Mathieu, known as the “honey badger,” said he took the risk after seeing an online post promoting bleach’s ability to manipulate test results.

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LSU safety Tyrann Mathieu during a game against Tennessee at Neyland Stadium on October 15, 2011 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Andrew Hancock/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)

“I kept scrolling, scrolling, and then I found something — it said add a little bleach to Coca-Cola,” Mathieu said. “So I just did it… and it felt like my whole insides was going to explode. I ended up throwing that thing up there. At that point, I was like, ‘I’m out of skill. I don’t know what to do.'”

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Mathieu also recalled trying various methods to avoid producing test results that would disrupt his college career, including using fake equipment or samples from other individuals during the testing process.

“I’ve tried everything in the book,” he said.

The 33-year-old said his experience using bleach did more harm than good, adding, “It was counterproductive.”

New Orleans Saints safety Tyronn Mathieu plays against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason game at State Farm Stadium on August 10, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona. (Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports)

Mathieu finished his freshman season with 4.5 sacks, two interceptions and two forced fumbles. He was named the Southeastern Conference Defensive Player of the Year and was a unanimous All-American the following season. After being fired, he never returned to the LSU football team, instead entering the 2013 season NFL Draft.

The Arizona Cardinals selected Mathieu in the third round. Two years later, Mathieu was selected to the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career and was named to the All-Pro first team.

Kansas City Chiefs safety Tyronn Mathieu prepares during the second half against the Denver Broncos at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on December 5, 2021 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Jay Biggerstaff/USA TODAY Sports)

During his 12-year NFL career, Mathieu was regarded as one of the league’s best defensive backs. He retires after the 2024 season, capping a stellar career as a three-time Pro Bowler, four-time All-Pro selection and 36 interceptions.

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Tyrann Mathieu says LSU’s harsh drug testing measures nearly cost him his life: ‘Tried everything in the book’