Almost everyone is familiar with second chances.
In fact, several of us have probably received a second chance in one form or another.
However, how many people do you know that have received seven chances?
Apparently, that is what former Browns receiver Josh Gordon is getting.
For the seventh time in his career, Gordon has been reinstated by the NFL and is being signed by a team.
Former All-Pro WR Josh Gordon, who is being reinstated, is planning to sign with the Kansas City Chiefs, sources tell ESPN. His agents, Eric Dounn and Matt Leist from @LAASportsEnt, confirmed Gordon is headed to Kansas City. pic.twitter.com/nqpJXn3oni
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 27, 2021
Kansas City is the latest franchise to take a flyer on the troubled, yet talented receiver.
After being suspended by the league for a sixth time in 2019 (and having his suspension confirmed again by the NFL this past January) due to a violation of the NFL’s policy of substance abuse, Gordon has worked to return to the league.
He was last seen playing in the Fan Controlled Football League with the Zappers.
Former Brown Johnny Manziel was a teammate.
The Chiefs, who currently own a 1-2 record and are in last place in the AFC West, were looking for another big play threat on offense.
Kansas City has relied on tight end Travis Kelce and receiver Tyreek Hill for the lion’s share of their passing plays.
With Gordon reinstated, the Chiefs were one of several teams clamoring for his services.
Roller Coaster Career
After being selected by Cleveland in the second round of the 2012 NFL Draft, Gordon collected 50 catches, 805 yards, and five touchdowns as a rookie.
He missed the first two games of the 2013 season for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy.
Upon returning, Gordon made the Pro Bowl that season.
In the summer of 2014, Gordon was arrested for driving while impaired in Raleigh, North Carolina.
The NFL suspended him for a year due to the arrest, but later reduced the penalty to ten games.
Then, the Browns suspended Gordon for the final game of the ‘14 season due to a violation of team rules.
Before he could find the field in 2015, the NFL once again suspended the receiver for violating its substance abuse policy.
This time the suspension was for an entire year.
Gordon entered the league’s substance abuse program.
He then applied for reinstatement in 2016, was denied by the NFL for a failed drug test, then was later reinstated (after he served a four-game suspension to begin the season).
One week before he was to return, Gordon voluntarily left the team to enter an in-patient rehab facility.
He released a statement to the media shortly after.
“After careful thought and deep consideration I’ve decided that I need to step away from pursuing my return to the Browns and my football career to enter an in-patient rehabilitation facility. This is the right decision for me and one that I hope will enable me to gain full control of my life and continue on a path to reach my full potential as a person. I appreciate the support of the NFL, NFLPA, the Browns, my teammates, my agent and the community through this extremely challenging process.”
In 2017, Gordon was reinstated by the NFL for the last few games of the year.
The following season, Gordon played one game for Cleveland and was then traded to the Patriots.
At the time, the Browns said the move was made due to Gordon “violating the team’s trust.”
In December of 2018, Gordon stepped away from New England to focus on his mental health.
Josh Gordon is facing a potential suspension for violating the terms of his conditional reinstatement under the NFL's drug policy.
He has had quite the journey so far. pic.twitter.com/W7tTvYtUew
— ESPN (@espn) December 20, 2018
The NFL then stated that Gordon had violated terms of his conditional reinstatement and would be suspended indefinitely.
That indefinite suspension ended in August of 2019.
Gordon played through mid-October before being placed on Injured Reserve due to a knee injury.
The Pats then released him in November of ‘19.
Gordon was picked up shortly thereafter by Seattle.
He played in one game for the Seahawks before being suspended by the league due to a violation of PED and/or substance abuse.
After being reinstated yet again, the NFL found that Gordon had broken the terms of his conditional reinstatement and he was suspended indefinitely this past January.
Gordon applied for reinstatement in July and he was approved on Monday.
One can only hope that Gordon has kicked his demons and sticks with the Chiefs.
NEXT: Myles Garrett On Cleveland: 'I Just Want To Be Here Forever'