This past season the New England Patriots had acquired former Cleveland Brown wide receiver Josh Gordon by trading their own fifth-round draft pick. Gordon's career has been marred by constant violations of the NFL's substance abuse policy.
In the games Gordon was able to play, Gordon was very effective and had two games with over 100 reception yards total. Head coach Bill Bellichek is known for bringing in players like Gordon and giving them a second chance.
However, on December 20th of 2018, the NFL once again indefinitely suspended Gordon for drug use. This shuts down any chance of returning to the NFL anytime soon.
The Patriots are still holding Gordon in their thoughts and prayers. Wideout Phillip Dorsett even said it was “heartbreaking” that Gordon isn't with the team in the Super Bowl. They knew how talented of a player he is, and only want him to sober up. It's unfortunate that he can no longer play, but he must focus on himself moving forward.
Article Continues BelowJosh Gordon may not be with the team but that hasn't stopped the #Patriots from thinking about pic.twitter.com/3BBqLvlcG9
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) January 29, 2019
Gordon this past season had 41 catches with 737 receiving yards and three touchdowns. His biggest game came against the Green Bay Packers, where he had five receptions for 130 total yards and a touchdown. Gordon proved that he can still be an elite wideout on this level.
His best season came in 2013 where he caught 87 passes for 1,646 yards and nine touchdowns. Since then, his career has torpedoed into the ground. Hopefully, he can put it all back together for one more shot. He's just too talented to see him give up on a professional career.
The Patriots are heading into their Super Bowl XIII matchup with the Los Angeles Rams this upcoming Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.