New England Patriots wide receiver Josh Gordon steps away from football to focus on his mental health

Photo Courtesy: Associated Press

New England Patriots wide receiver Josh Gordon is taking a break from football to focus on his mental health.

Gordon released a statement on Twitter saying he needed to take time away from the field in order "ensure I remain able to perform at the highest level." ESPN's Dan Graziano first reported that Gordon was facing another potential suspension for violating the terms of his conditional reinstatement under the league's drug policy. 

The NFL later released a statement saying that Josh Gordon has been returned to the Reserve/Commissioner suspended list indefinitely for violating the terms of his conditional reinstatement under the league's substance abuse policy.Gordon had remained in Stage 3 of the substance abuse policy during his return to the NFL.

Since entering the league in 2012 Gordon has only played one full season. He was out of football in 2015 and 2016. Browns traded Gordon this season to the Patriots for a 2019 fifth round pick. He played in 11 games for the Patriots this season making 40 receptions for 720 yards and three touchdowns and was a reliable deep threat while Rob Gronkowski was injured.

The talented young star has spoken out several times about his battles with mental health and anxiety and his use of drugs to try and treat the conditions. Gordon's decision to step away again shows a level of maturity and recognition that there remains an issue within that needs to be addressed to bring his best onto the field. 

Gordon's mental health issues also highlights the need for the NFL to provide as much support and services for players battling mental health issues as they do players battling physical ailments. Players should feel just as safe and supported when they need to take time away to work on their emotional and mental well being as they do when fighting through injuries. The league is quick to condemn players for their bad behavior on and off the field but not address the underlying issues that may have lead to drug use or violent altercations. If players only feel safe speaking out about their battles with depression and anxiety after their time in the league is over, what does that say about the culture inside the league? While the taboo nature of mental health is a larger societal issue, the NFL is asking young men to sacrifice their mind and bodies for entertainment and owes it to them to provide the best possible care both physically and mentally.