Josh Gordon's journey through professional football is a tale of immense talent intertwined with personal challenges. Born on April 13, 1991, in Houston, Texas, Gordon's athletic prowess was evident from a young age. He attended Lamar High School, where he excelled in both football and track. His performance on the field earned him a scholarship to Baylor University, where he continued to develop his skills as a wide receiver.
Gordon's college career, however, was marred by off-field issues, leading to his suspension from the Baylor Bears. He transferred to the University of Utah but did not play a game there. Despite these setbacks, his potential was undeniable, and he entered the NFL Supplemental Draft in 2012. The Cleveland Browns saw promise in Gordon and selected him in the second round.
In his rookie season with the Browns, Gordon quickly demonstrated his ability to be a deep threat, finishing the year with 805 receiving yards and five touchdowns. His breakout year came in 2013 when he led the league with 1,646 receiving yards, despite missing the first two games due to a suspension. This performance earned him a Pro Bowl selection and a spot on the First-team All-Pro roster.
However, Gordon's career was frequently interrupted by suspensions related to violations of the NFL's substance abuse policy. These issues led to him missing the entire 2015 and 2016 seasons. After being reinstated in 2017, he returned to the Browns and played in five games, showing flashes of his previous brilliance.
In 2018, Gordon was traded to the New England Patriots. He played 11 games for the Patriots, contributing to their offense with 720 receiving yards and three touchdowns. Unfortunately, his time with the Patriots was also cut short by another suspension.
Gordon's journey continued with the Seattle Seahawks, who claimed him off waivers in 2019. He played five games for the Seahawks before facing another suspension. Despite these challenges, the Seahawks re-signed him in 2020, although he did not play that season due to ongoing suspension issues.
In 2021, Gordon was reinstated once more and signed with the Kansas City Chiefs. He appeared in 12 games, but his role was limited, and he recorded 32 receiving yards and one touchdown. Throughout his career, Gordon's on-field talent was often overshadowed by his struggles with substance abuse, leading to multiple suspensions and missed opportunities.
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