Josh Gordon applies for NFL reinstatement ahead of another potential comeback

After December’s indefinite suspension, Josh Gordon wants another chance in the NFL.

Josh Gordon was supposed to be the guy. As the Cleveland Browns went down the tubes, “Flash” represented a glimmer of hope and perhaps the only real reason to tune in to watch the team, going as far as earning First Team All-Pro honors in his second year in the league. Unfortunately, his well-documented history with substance abuse repeatedly derailed what could have been a superstar career.

Now, after getting slapped with yet another indefinite suspension in December 2019, Gordon wants to get back on the road to redemption. Per insider Tom Pelissero, he has written to the NFL to seek formal reinstatement.

Gordon appeared in 11 games in 2019, starting off encouragingly with the Patriots before injuries forced the team to release him. He surfaced with the Seahawks but rarely featured.

Late in the regular season, the NFL dropped the hammer and handed him the fifth substance-related suspension of his career, but that doesn’t mean Seattle has no role to play in Gordon’s future. He has remained in the city working out throughout his latest absence, and the team has no reason not to be the first to bring him in for an interview when he’s restored as an NFL player in good standing.

He may be 29 years old, but Gordon has far less mileage on his tires than any other No. 1-quality receiver his age. If he can demonstrate that he’s turned a corner in terms of his lifestyle and personal conduct, there’s absolutely no reason for an enterprising team not to swoop in, particularly given how low his price tag has become these last few years.

The NFL may yet decide that it’s too early to let Flash back into the fold. But if and when they do, his story stands to be one of the most intriguing of the 2020 season.