In 2013, Josh Gordon burst onto the scene as one of the NFL’s most dynamic playmakers at the wide receiver position. Gordon had 87 catches for 1,646 yards and nine touchdowns with the Browns and seemed on his way to becoming one of the league’s stars at the position.
However, Gordon found himself out of the league in 2014 after playing only five games (his last being Week 16) and has not played a snap in the NFL since being suspended due to repeated violations of the league’s drug policy. On Wednesday, Gordon was reinstated by commissioner Roger Goodell on a “conditional basis,” meaning he is able to return to the Browns facility to attend meetings and do individual workouts.
Gordon, should he comply to all of the clinical and other requirements placed on him by the NFL, could be eligible to return to practice on Nov. 20 and be brought back to full, active status by Nov. 27.
Roger Goodell’s statement on Gordon’s reinstatement reads as follows, via Ohio.com:
“As emphasized at today’s meeting, everyone – including Josh’s teammates and coaches, the Browns’ ownership and organization, the Program professionals and all of us at the league office – want him to have every opportunity to resume his career and to be successful in the NFL,” said Goodell. “Whether that happens, however, at the end of the day will depend on Josh. His commitment to sobriety and to reaching his goals in football and beyond will determine his success. It ultimately is up to Josh.”
As for the Browns, they have indicated in the past that they would most likely look to move Gordon should he come back, but Browns EVP of Football Operations Sashi Brown said they were glad to have Gordon reinstated and would have continuing discussions with him about his future with the organization (also via Ohio.com).
“We’ve been informed of the league’s decision to reinstate Josh. The personal well-being of all our players is of the utmost importance to us. We respect and commend Josh for taking the steps necessary to have the opportunity to return to the league. Josh will be in our building in the coming days and we look forward to having him back and sitting with him to discuss his future on our team.”
If Gordon can prove he’s still in playing shape and that he can stay on the field, he will certainly be an intriguing player for teams in need of some receiver help, considering how explosive he was in 2013. All that remains to be seen, but hopefully Gordon has moved past the problems that continually seemed to drag him down in the past and can resume his once promising football career.
