Patriots WR Josh Gordon releases statement ahead of 2019 NFL season
ORCHARD PARK, NY – OCTOBER 29: Josh Gordon of the New England Patriots walks on the field during warmups for the game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
Two days away from the Patriots’ season opener against the Steelers, Patriots wide receiver Josh Gordon broke a summer-long silence with an official statement released via his personal Twitter on Friday.
“Before the 2019 season starts, I would like to address an issue that arose towards the end of last season,” Gordon’s statement began. “It’s been well documented that I have battled substance abuse issues 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, friends, 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.”
https://twitter.com/JOSH_GORDONXII/status/1170033936795176960
The 28-year-old Gordon also plans on speaking with reporters after games (like he did last year), but clearly the questions answered will only focus on the game or his own performance on the field.
Gordon, acquired in an in-season trade with the Browns, had three touchdowns and totaled 720 yards on 40 catches in 11 games with the Patriots in 2018.
