Josh Gordon has kept quiet since he was reinstated just before the Patriots' third preseason game, but he released a statement Friday afternoon to briefly address his past and shift the focus to the present and future.
In the statement, Gordon acknowledges not taking the time to focus on a solution for his substance abuse problems in the past and thanks the NFL, NFLPA and Patriots organization for their "constant support."
Gordon says that going forward he will not be discussing details of his past and that he hopes "people will judge me on what I do now and in the future."
Gordon had 40 catches for 720 yards and three touchdowns in 11 games with the Patriots last season, but stepped away from football and was suspended indefinitely late in the regular season after violating the terms of his reinstatement.
The NFL reinstated Gordon on Aug. 16. He saw some action in the Patriots' final preseason game and is expected to play a key role in the offense right from the get-go in Sunday night's season-opener against the Steelers.
Read Gordon's full statement below.
— Flash Gordon (@JOSH_GORDONXII) September 6, 2019
