Josh Gordon is ultimate wild card for Patriots

Josh Gordon has some lost time to make up for. The New England Patriots are attempting to become the second team in NFL history to reach four consecutive Super Bowls. Josh Gordon’s season might be the determining factor.

After being reinstated to the league in August, Josh Gordon has returned to New England in the final deal of his current contract. On Friday, the embattled 28-year-old released a statement on Twitter, hoping to move on from his turbulent past.

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“Before the 2019 season starts, I would like to address an issue that arose toward the end of last season,” Gordon wrote. “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, friend 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.”

He was once taken in the second round of the 2012 supplemental draft by the Cleveland Browns. At that time, Gordon appeared on the fast track to an all-time career. Despite playing on a poor offense, Josh Gordon was a First-Team All-Pro in 2013. However, he fell off sharply due to personal problems. All told, Gordon was suspended for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy for two games in 2013, 10 games in 2014, the entire 2015 season and four games in 2016.  However, Josh Gordon didn’t play in ’16 while attempting to rehabilitate himself.

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After playing five games in ’17 with Cleveland, Gordon appeared once for the Browns last season. He was then dealt to the Patriots. Now, without any looming suspension and hopefully in a good mental and physical state, Gordon has an opportunity to become the leading man in New England’s attack once more. In 11 games with the Patriots last season, Gordon notched 40 receptions and 720 yards with three touchdowns.

Considering the retirement of tight end Rob Gronkowski and rookie wide receiver N’Keal Harry being on Injured Reserve, Gordon and slot receiver Julian Edelman are the only proven parts of the Patriots’ passing attack.

Gordon is finally back with a clear future ahead. It could be his time to shine.