All-Pro wide receiver Josh Gordon reinstated by NFL

The NFL has informed former All-Pro wide receiver Josh Gordon that it is reinstating him, according to ESPN. He is expected to be eligible to play as early as Week 4, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Gordon’s new agent Zac Hiller from LAA Sports Entertainment was very thankful his client was reinstated when he said.

“We are grateful that the NFL appreciates the work that Josh put in and now he has earned another opportunity to be part of this league,” Hiller said. “We are proud of Josh, and I know all the fans can’t wait to see him on Sundays.”

The Houston native had been conditionally reinstated by the NFL in December of 2020 but things did not go as planned after Gordon had a setback in his recovery, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.

His latest indefinite suspension had begun in January, after the NFL rescinded his conditional reinstatement. The former All-Pro receiver applied for reinstatement in July and the NFL Players Association recommended Gordon be reinstated.

Gordon’s latest suspension was his sixth suspension since 2013 and the fifth suspension he’s had for substance abuse, according to ESPN Stats & Information.

The NFL had told Gordon that the last suspension was his final strike and would likely never play football in the NFL again. according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. It’s a completely fair and legitimate question to ask at this point. How many more chances will Josh Gordon get?

The uber-talented receiver has had an incredibly long struggle with substance abuse for much of his football career.

NFL career

For his entire NFL career, Gordon has hauled in 247 catches for over 4,252 yards, while bringing in 20 touchdowns. Gordon is now 30 years old. He spent five seasons with the Cleveland Browns, two seasons with the New England Patriots and one season with the Seattle Seahawks. By far his best season in the league came in 2013, when he snagged 87 catches for 1,646 yards, and nine touchdowns. His yardage total led the league in 2013 and earned him first team All-Pro honors.

Gordon with the Zappers

Earlier this year, Gordon was playing with the Zappers of the Fan Controlled Football League, a semi-pro league where the fans were involved in play-calling for the teams.

Check out the catch he hauled in his debut.

Josh Gordon brings down the Hail Mary to give the Zappers the win in his FCF debut!

(🎥: @fcflio)pic.twitter.com/jUjZWb3Bwg

— USA TODAY Sports (@usatodaysports) March 7, 2021

In his debut game in the FCF, Gordon hauled in four catches for 70 yards and two touchdowns.