New England Patriots’ leading wide receiver Josh Gordon announced on Thursday that he is stepping away from football. Gordon, who joined the Pats in September from Cleveland Browns, announced his decision via Twitter, saying he wants to focus on his mental health.
“I take my mental health very seriously at this point to ensure I remain able to perform at the highest level.” Gordon wrote. “I have recently felt like I could have a better grasp on things mentally. With that said, I will be stepping away from the football field for a bit to focus on my mental health.”
— Flash Gordon (@JOSH_GORDONXII) December 20, 2018
New England also issued a statement, saying they support the player’s “continued efforts to focus on his health.“
Statement from the New England Patriots on Josh Gordon: pic.twitter.com/tXmXrXVrJL
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) December 20, 2018
Josh Gordon, who is considered one of the most talented WRs in the last decade, struggled with substance abuse since entering the league in 2012. After serving several suspensions for violating the league’s substance-abuse policy, it seemed that Gordon is dedicated to leaving his problems behind and starting fresh.
Still, he managed to play just one regular season game for the Browns, before being traded to New England after “violating team’s trust.”
After a shaky start with the Patriots, Josh Gordon established himself as No.2 receiver on the team’s depth chart. He will finish the season with 40 receptions for team-high 720 yards and three touchdowns.
