Josh Gordon Releases an Epic Hype Video and a Statement that Semi-Addresses His Issues and Where He's At

Holy moly. Let that take you into the weekend! That’s what 40 receptions for 720 yards (18.0 YPR) and 3 TDs looks like. With barely time to get acclimated to the offense. Now that he’s been around while and is lining up next to Demaryius Thomas, the ceiling on this guy is in outer Earth orbit.

IF. If he can stay clean. And on that note, he also posted this:

“Before the 2019 season starts, I would like to address an issue that arose toward the end of last season. It’s been well documented that I have battled substance abuse for quite some time. Unfortunately, I did not take the time to focus on a solution to my problem until this past year.

“I am eternally grateful for the constant support from the NFL, NFLPA and the Patriots organization. I also want to thank my family, friends and all the fans who supported me while I addressed this issue.

“Going forward, I will not be discussing the details of my past. I plan to focus on the present and getting better every day. I hope people will judge me on what I do now and in the future. I look forward to being a member of the Patriots once again this season and doing my part by contributing on and off the field.”

It’s been a tumultuous week for some of the most athletically gifted wideouts in the NFL. Some are in circumstances that are entirely their fault (Antonio Brown), some dealing with situations beyond their control (bad news on Odell Beckham’s hip injury), and some that just got paid shit tons of money because life is cruel and unfair (Tyreek Hill).

So the timing of this for Josh Gordon is interesting to say the least. What I don’t know about battling substance abuse problems could fill a library. I don’t know that I’ve ever given up beer for any length of time, so I won’t pretend I can speak intelligently about how addicts go about addressing their issues. But I think it’s some combination of admitting your problem, acknowledging the times you’ve relapsed, and trying to make amends to your support system. Which sounds like what he’s going for here.  I think it’s what Samuel L. Jackson in “Pulp Fiction” was talking about when he refers to alcoholics having “a moment of clarity.” But I’m guessing.

If you want to be cynical, you can say the timing of this is suspect because it’s just Gordon’s way of avoiding talking about it once the season starts and he’s hitting the podium or getting peppered with questions at his locker. And there’s probably some truth to that. But at the same time, we don’t know what triggers a relapse for him. And maybe having to address his problems over and over again will do just that. No matter how innocent or well-intentioned the questions are.

Regardless, here’s a person we can all be pulling for, regardless of your team affiliation. Let’s not lose sight of the fact that the person who’s most been hurt by Josh Gordon has been Josh Gordon. His substance abuse has cost him time, millions of dollars and has him a setback or two away from losing his livelihood altogether. Which, with his God-given gifts, would be a shame, if not an outright sin. So good for the powers that be in the league headquarters that they have done the right thing by Gordon. He strikes me as a guy who’s earnest and trying to do what’s right for himself, his future, his loved ones and the people who have put their faith in him. One day at a time, and all that. My takeaway will be that this Tweet was a significant step in the process. And I hope like hell it works this time.