Browns WR Gordon vows to stick around
BEREA, Ohio – Nothing is guaranteed with Josh Gordon, equal parts mysterious and mesmerizing.
The wide receiver’s ill-fated career has included too many stops and starts, too many off-field issues to predict whether Gordon will ever fulfill his potential or return to Pro Bowl form or simply flame out – another oh-what-mighthave-been casualty.
Gordon doesn’t know either, but on Monday in his first comments since returning from a three-week, self-imposed timeout to get counseling and treatment related to his drug and alcohol dependence, the 27-year-old vowed that – with support from others – he intends to stay around.
“I know I’m going to be here playing football, and anything outside of these walls, I think I have the right people in place to help me in any way in which I need them to help me,” he said.
Gordon, who has been sidelined for most of the past four seasons while serving NFL drug suspensions, didn’t provide any details about what pushed him to leave the Browns on July 26, just before the opening of training camp. It remains unclear if he had a relapse in his recovery or if the absence was related to a child support case.
Gordon began many of his answers with, “as it relates to football.” And as for the length of his leave, Gordon said there was no relevance to him returning on Aug. 18. “I had no plan,” he said.
Gordon’s been limited since returning by a sore hamstring that will keep him out of Thursday’s exhibition finale against Detroit. The Browns hope to have him ready for the Sept. 9 opener against Pittsburgh.
Although one of pro football’s most gifted receivers, Gordon has been little more than an enigma since his breakout 2013 season, when he led the league with 1,646 yards receiving and scored nine touchdowns.
He’s been unable to conquer personal demons, costing him millions in potential earnings. And while he’s worked at staying sober, the Browns have patiently waited. Gordon has come back to the team before only to leave, and there’s no reason to believe it won’t happen again.
Gordon said he’s grateful for the unwavering backing, especially from teammates who say they only care for his personal well-being – and not what he brings to Cleveland’s offense.