Josh Gordon met with Roger Goodell this week in hopes for a possible reinstatement.
While there is no doubt in Gordon’s offensive talents, his off-field issues continue to remain in the spotlight.
Gordon missed 29 total games in the last three seasons out of 48 available. He continues to strike out with the NFL’s substance abuse policy. His first suspension caused him to miss two games in 2013. That didn’t stop him from leading the league in receiving yards and making his first Pro Bowl and All-Pro selection.
Trouble followed though as the league suspended him for a year the following season in 2014, but was reduced to 10 games.
His career continued to travel downhill. After playing five rusty games, he was again suspended for violating team rules for the final game of the season. The following year in 2015 and unable to turn over a new leaf, the league officially suspended him a full 16 games.
To add salt to the wound, this conversation for reinstatement is now the second time he’s tried. He failed his original attempt of reinstatement after failing another drug test.
It’s been quite an ugly start for the talented receiver and he leaves all football fans begging for him to turn it around as losing out on a perennial talent like Josh Gordon is a crime against the game.
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If Gordon is to be reinstated, the Cleveland Browns, Hue Jackson and RGIII would breathe a huge sigh of relief. On top of Gordon’s All-Pro season in 2013, he received his league-leading 1,646 yards from Jason Campbell, Brandon Weeden, and Brian Hoyer. While RGIII may not be a top-tier quarterback, he’ll be an improvement nevertheless.
If Josh Gordon is not to continue his career, he still left his mark on the field. Gordon set NFL records for most receiving yards in a two, three, and four game streak. He put up 498 receiving yards in two straight games, 649 yards in three straight games, and 774 yards in four straight games.
During the streak, he also recorded 261 yards against Jacksonville which set the Browns franchise record and ranks No. 15 all-time in single-game receiving yards. The entire 2013 season ranked him No. 1 in the Browns history books and No. 13 in NFL history.
His 2013 season was one to remember and hopefully he can finally turn over a new leaf. Expect a decision by Goodell within six to eight weeks.