Former LSU star Tyrann Mathieu recalls nearly dying trying to pass drug test: 'Tried everything in the books'

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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 resorting to extreme lengths to preserve his college football eligibility.

The drastic decision to consume bleach to try to circumvent a drug test nearly cut Mathieu's life short. Mathieu, who became known as "Honeybadger," said he took the risk after seeing a post online touting bleach's ability to manipulate test results.

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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--- that said put a little bleach in your Coca-Cola," Mathieu said. "So I did that. … It felt like my whole insides was just like erupting. I end up throwing that s--- up. At that point, I'm like, ‘I done ran out of tricks. I don't know what to do.’"

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Mathieu also recalled attempting 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 done 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