Josh Gordon Receiving Help from Pats

Josh Gordon’s battle with addiction and mental health issues has been no secret. The wide receiver made the difficult decision to step away from football this season to receive treatment. Shortly after the announcement, the NFL announced that he was suspended indefinitely again after violating the reinstatement policy. Gordon had played in just 11 games from 2014 to 2018 for the Cleveland Browns due to suspensions.

Seeing the talent in Gordon, the New England Patriots decided to make a trade for the receiver. It was a pretty low risk trade, only giving up a fifth round pick for a guy who when on the field can be a difference maker. Before being suspended this season, Gordon had 40 receptions for 720 yards. He even caught Tom Brady’s 500th career touchdown.

While his teammates prepare for this Sunday’s big game, Gordon remains in Florida in treatment. His team, unlike others in the past, had stood by his side and is actually paying for his drug rehabilitation program. Both the NFL and the Player’s Association stand behind Gordon as he continues to battle something that so many Americans battle every single day.

His teammates also remain by Gordon’s side. Receiver Chris Hogan spoke about Gordon’s commitment to the team.

“That just blew me away. He went in there early and stayed there late just to learn our offense so that he could get on the field and try to make plays for us. When he was able to get out there, he was a playmaker. [Tom Brady] and all of our offense definitely looked to him to make those big plays and he did for a lot of the weeks,” Hogan told reporters in Atlanta.

No word on if the team is planning to bring back Gordon for another season. That seems to be the farthest thing from both the Patriots’ front office and Gordon’s minds as both battle more important fights right now. He is just 27 years old and proved that he can still play football at an elite level. He is still under contact with the team for next season.

Whether he decided to return to football or now, we are all hoping to see Flash happy and healthy soon!