Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Josh Gordon has been conditionally reinstated by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. Gordon will be eligible to play the last two regular-season games.

The 29-year-old wide receiver is a former Pro-Bowler back in 2013 during his stint with the Cleveland Browns. Gordon was claimed by the Seahawks off waivers last season. Gordon only played in five games with Seattle before his suspension. In five games, he recorded seven catches for 139 yards.

Last season, Gordon was suspended indefinitely for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing substances and substances of abuse. It was not the first violation that the wide receiver had. Throughout his career, he has faced multiple suspensions for violating the policy and was suspended for the entire 2015 and 2016 NFL season.

With his suspension now lifted, it would have been almost an exact year since he played. He was suspended last season with two games remaining in the regular season. Now he could play in the final two games of the regular season.

Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson has expressed his thoughts on Gordon’s reinstatement. “He’s an amazing receiver,” Wilson said. A guy who was great for us last year made some great plays. Obviously, he’s been a great player over his years, but more than anything else, it’s a testament hopefully to his growth in life. You always want to see people overcome challenges and everything else. He did a tremendous job of really bonding with the guys, fitting in the right way. He was about the approach, he was studying his playbook, he was ready to roll, he made great plays for us, but he just fit in the right way. He was about the work ethic. Coach [Pete Carroll] does a great job of giving guys chances… I’m rooting for him to be able to overcome, and hopefully this time it’s better than the last time.”

Gordon will be able to start COVID-19 testing on Friday. If he tests negative then, he will be able to participate in individual meetings and team meetings. However, he is not able to practice or travel with the team until December 21 after Seattles’ week 15 game against Washington. He will be able to practice and play in their week 16 game against the Los Angeles Rams.

In an expected move, the New England Patriots have released wide receiver Josh Gordon this week. Gordon is also expected to be claimed with a team looking for receiver this week.

Gordon is considered one of the most talented wide receivers today, yet he has famously struggled with substance abuse that has led to multiple suspensions from the league. But the Patriots have a reputation for taking talented but troubled athletes into their team and usually doing something extraordinary with them.

Gordon had a relapse last season but was able to play 11 games. But a nagging injury has kept him from being the type of player the Pats envisioned once clean and sober. He was placed on the injured reserve list which many already knew was a step right before release.

30 SPORTS FIGURES WHO DIED IN 2018 – TRIBUTE SLIDESHOW 

When healthy, he is a Pro-Bowler and one-of-a-kind talent. Even better, Gordon stressed that his knee feels “good enough to play” and whoever picks him up will only have to pay for the remainder of the season, about $1 million. He has caught 20 passes for 287 yards prior to his injury.

Teams that are in desperate need for wide receiver include the following:

1. The Jets seem to be on everyone’s list as first or second team that should take him. They have had their issues and how much of that is due to the lack of a solid wide receiver could be tested with the addition of Gordon.
2. Miami Dolphins are first in the waiver order, yet I am not sure if taking a troubled star is a priority for them right now. But if they are to keep Ryan Fitzpatrick at the helm right now, having someone deep to throw to deep could make all the difference, since ‘Fitzmagic’ is known for having a cannon for an arm.
3. As a Chicago Bears fan, I can tell you we’ve had a surprisingly bad season. Much is credited to quarterback Mitch Trubisky and/or Head Coach Matt Nagy. But what if we had deeper threats? Could it be that teams are used to the short passes and running plays?

We will have to wait and see who claims him. I am betting on Miami.

Former NFL receiving champ Josh Gordon is looking to return to the league, therefore he filled out some papers which must seem increasingly familiar to him at this point: paperwork designed to apply for reinstatement to the league.

Gordon, who played in 11 games for the New England Patriots last year before undergoing a substance abuse-related suspension, missed the 2015 and 2016 seasons as well after the NFL banned him for the same reasons while on the Cleveland Browns. Gordon rejoined the Browns two years later for the 2017 season, during which he managed to catch a touchdown and rack up an admirable 335 yards during the five games he played. The next season, Cleveland traded Gordon to New England after Week 1. With Tom Brady throwing to him, Gordon enjoyed his best season since his league–leading 1,646–yard campaign by hauling in 40 catches, three of them as touchdowns, while also surpassing the 700-yard mark for receptions.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell currently holds the keys with the potential to open a door to lead Gordon back to the gridiron. Goodell issued his concerns regarding Gordon’s overall health outside the game after his suspension last December.

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Goodell stated, “The first thing is to focus on Josh himself as a young man, and what he needs to do to get his life on the right track. That’s what our focus is. We have resources supporting that, and that’s our hope.” Goodell next spoke on Gordon’s goals as he commented, “I think right now, he has had a complete focus on ‘I have to get myself all cleared in the right place before I can get back on the field.”

Gordon’s quarterback also mentioned his good wishes for Gordon going forward. When asked about an offseason catch held between Brady and Gordon, the six–time Super Bowl champ stated, “He was around and I needed someone to catch. I’ve always enjoyed playing with him and obviously, I hope everything works out for him.” Last year, Brady appeared to enjoy a strong connection with Gordon on the field, as the two provided an approach somewhat nostalgic to New England’s extremely successful Brady–to–Randy Moss attack from years prior.

With his application to once again join the NFL fraternity, Gordon appears convinced he’s ready to build things up with Brady once more and with himself as well.

Super Bowl VIII MVP Julian Edelman is going to be sidelined the next three weeks after suffering an injury to his finger, sources have told ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Field Yates.

Edelman was spotted at his annual youth camp over the weekend wearing a small brace over his left thumb. It is uncertain whether Edelman suffered a break or sprain to his thumb while catching passes recently.

“I’m extremely excited for the new year. This is a new team,” Edelman said at his camp. “With training camp coming up, this is kind of like when school is back in session. We had a summer break. You get to see all the fellas, and this is where you learn your team, learn each other and become accountable for each other, and create a consistency together. This is like the beginning shape form of your team, these next few weeks. It’s a crucial point. You put a lot of hard work in during the spring and it’s the next step until you’re playing with other teams.”

SPORTS FIGURES WHO DIED IN 2019 – IN MEMORIAM SLIDESHOW 

With Edelman, Sony Michel, Demaryius Thomas and Josh Gordon all either injured or suspended, the New England Patriots are thin on offense when veterans report to training camp on Wednesday. Part of the reason why is the Patriots used their first-round pick in this year’s draft on Arizona State wide receiver N’Keal Harry.

Edelman, 33, re-signed with the Patriots on a three-year contract this past offseason. As he has been for the last several seasons now, Edelman is expected to be the focal point of the Patriots’ passing game.

Josh Gordon was suspended from the NFL indefinitely on Thursday for violating the terms of his conditional reinstatement for drug violations, although it looks like the New England Patriots wideout will use his time off for something positive.

Josh Gordon To Focus on Mental health

Gordon, 27, will reportedly step away from football to focus on his mental health.

“I take my mental health very seriously at this point to ensure I remain able to perform at the highest level,” Gordon wrote on Twitter Thursday morning, before thanking Patriots coach Bill Belichick and owner Robert Kraft. “I have recently felt like I could have a better grasp on things mentally. With that said, I will be stepping away from the football field for a bit to focus on my mental health. I would like to thank Coach Belichick, Mr. Kraft, as well as countless others within the Patriots organization for their continued support. I want to thank my fans for their support as well as I continue down the path getting back to 100%.”

In their own statement, the Patriots said they support Gordon and his “efforts to focus on his health.”

30 SPORTS FIGURES WHO DIED IN 2018 – TRIBUTE SLIDESHOW

This is not the first time Gordon has decided to take a break from football to treat his mental health. The receiver also did this in July when he was training camp with the Cleveland Browns. Gordon was traded by Cleveland to New England on Sept. 17 alongside a seventh-round 2019 draft pick in exchange for a fifth-round 2019 pick.

The NFL had suspended Gordon for much of the last four seasons due to several drug offenses. The league’s collective bargaining agreement states the wideout could be banned for any type of positive test result, although he would still be allowed to apply for reinstatement.

In the Pats’ 17-10 loss to Pittsburgh on Sunday, Gordon finished with just one reception for 19 yards and was targeted only twice by Tom Brady. Through 11 games with New England, Gordon — whom Rob Gronkowksi reportedly called “reliable” — has compiled 40 catches for 720 yards and three touchdowns.

It’s good that Gordon is actually taking the first step to fixing his mental health and drug issues. Hopefully, other NFL stars in similar situations will follow his lead.

The New England Patriots acquired receiver Josh Gordon on Monday afternoon via trade with the Cleveland Browns.

Josh Gordon Sent to patriots for fifth-round pick

Another year, another season of Belichick and co. upending the fluidity of the NFL, disregarding the hopes of fans across the other 31 teams, setting it ablaze as they look onward with stoic satisfaction. A 2019 fifth-round pick has been sent to Cleveland for the 27-year-old wideout, who is expected to play this week vs. the Lions on Sunday Night. His hamstring, injured during a photoshoot, came back clear after an MRI, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rappoport. An additional seventh-round pick will be sent to the Patriots in the event that Gordon fails to play ten of the 14 games left of the regular season.

The move follows the narrative of the Patriots’ ambitious acquisitions of talent and blossoming them, targeting efficient trades and signees who can benefit them at a low-cost. ESPN’s Josina Anderson reported that New England was one of “eight to ten” teams that inquired about the talented pass-catcher. Interest was garnered after the team announced they would release him on Saturday.

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The Patriots have now made twenty-eight trades involving a wide receiver since March.

New England’s inevitable postseason runs in the playoffs seems to churn out a decisive number of stars at the skill positions, and 2018 is not looking like an exception. Tom Brady‘s weapons closet could look something like this come playoff time: Gordon, TE Rob Gronkowski, WR Julian Edelman, WR Chris Hogan, RB James White, RB Rex Burkhead, RB Sony Michel. 

30 SPORTS FIGURES WHO DIED IN 2018 – TRIBUTE SLIDESHOW

The addition unquestionably bolsters New England’s claim as Superbowl favorites, revitalizing (again) an offensive force in the AFC in the midst of another NFL season.

For now, the team is on to Detroit.

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon has announced that he will not be attending the team’s training camp in order to abide by a “health and treatment plan” as he returns for what he hopes will be his first full season since 2013 following several substance-abuse violations. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Gordon is seeking counseling in order to fully treat the mental health issues with which he has been dealing over the past few years. The receiver indicated that he used marijuana and alcohol in order to self-medicate and treat his anxiety.

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Gordon made the announcement himself via Twitter.

https://twitter.com/JOSH_GORDONXII/status/1021398682619572225?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1021398682619572225&ref_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.espn.com%2F

The Browns have responded with nothing but support for Gordon, as they indicated that they will welcome him back to the team whenever he feels ready to return. Via a statement, Browns general manager John Dorsey said, “We will continue to support Josh as he receives the care needed to maintain his progress. We are going to respect his privacy while he is away from the team.”

Prior to his series of substance-abuse suspensions, Gordon had a monumentally dominant season in 2013, in which recorded 1,646 receiving yards (best in the NFL) and 9 touchdowns on 87 receptions. What makes this even more impressive is that he was thrown to by the likes of Jason Campbell, Brandon Weeden, and Brian Hoyer.

30 SPORTS FIGURES WHO DIED IN 2018 – TRIBUTE SLIDESHOW

Gordon clearly has a ton of talent, and is primed to be one of the NFL’s best receivers should he stay on the field. The Browns are looking to make quite the splash in the AFC this year, acquiring a pair of Pro-Bowlers in quarterback Tyrod Taylor from the Buffalo Bills and wide receiver Jarvis Landry from the Miami Dolphins. Perhaps even more important, though, is the development of the 2018 first overall pick, quarterback Baker Mayfield. The Browns clearly view Mayfield as the future of their franchise, and the presence of a dominant wide receiver will be seriously beneficial to his progression into stardom.

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon has been conditionally reinstated to the NFL, the league announced Wednesday.

Josh Gordon reinstatement news

The 26-year-old’s reinstatement is conditional on “compliance with clinical and other requirements,” per an NFL statement.

“Effective immediately, Gordon may join the Browns to attend meetings, engage in conditioning work and individual workouts,” the statement read. “…he will be placed on the Commissioner’s Exempt list and be permitted to practice with the team beginning on Monday, November 20.”

Gordon — a 2012 product of Baylor — has not played in a game since Dec. 21, 2014. He had been suspended indefinitely since September 2016 without pay for multiple violations of the league’s substance abuse policy.

Starting Nov. 27, Gordon will become eligible — at the Browns’ discretion — to return to active status or to remain on the commissioner’s exempt list for an additional week .

If he respects commissioner Roger Goodell’s rules, Gordon could play in Cleveland’s last five games this season.

“We’ve been informed of the league’s decision to reinstate Josh,” Browns EVP of Football Operations Sashi Brown said in a statement obtained by Rapoport. “The personal well-being of all our players is of the utmost importance to us. We respect and commend Josh for taking the steps necessary to have the opportunity to return to the league. Josh will be in our building in the coming days and we look forward to having him back and sitting with him to discuss his future on our team.”

Gordon led the league in receiving yards (1,646) in 2013 despite playing in just 14 of 16 games.

The Browns (0-8) have a bye this week and then visit the Detroit Lions on Nov. 12.

ATLANTA, GA – NOVEMBER 23:  Josh Gordon #12 of the Cleveland Browns stands on the sidelines in the first half against the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome on November 23, 2014 in Atlanta, Georgia.  (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)

Josh Gordon’s comeback with the Cleveland Browns seems to be nearing its end.

Browns Planning To Release Josh Gordon After WR Enters Rehab

The team is planning to release Gordon at some point following Thursday’s announcement that the wide receiver is entering an in-patient rehabilitation facility, a source familiar with the situation told NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport. 

The development comes after Browns coach Hue Jackson told reporters the team was looking ahead without Gordon.

“We wish him well,” Jackson said. “We need to close that chapter right now. We’re moving on.”

Gordon is eligible to play in the Browns’ Week 5 game against the New England Patriots as part of the terms of his NFL reinstatement for a substance abuse violation. The 25-year-old was suspended for the entire 2015 season for several violations of the league’s substance abuse policies. He was reinstated conditionally on July 25 by commissioner Roger Goodell.

“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,” Gordon said in a statement released through the Browns on Thursday. “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.”

Gordon later added to his statement via Twitter:

Gordon did not specify why he’s seeking treatment. The NFL, in a statement, said its “concern is with Josh’s well-being,” and declined further comment.

Sashi Brown, the Browns’ executive vice president of football operations, wouldn’t comment on Gordon’s status with the team either.

“We support Josh in taking this step to seek additional help and treatment,” Brown wrote in a statement. “His singular focus must be on his own health. We want nothing more than for Josh to be successful personally and professionally and will not comment on his status with the organization at this time.”

As part of the terms of his reinstatement, Gordon was permitted to practice with the Browns, but was suspended from the team’s first four games.

The oft-banned receiver hasn’t played in a game since December 2014. He’s just three years removed from leading the NFL in receiving yards (1,646), despite playing just 14 games in 2013.

Earlier this month, an arrest warrant for Gordon was withdrawn after he complied with a year-old court order to take a DNA test in a paternity suit.

An attorney who represents the woman told Cleveland.com that the DNA test came back Thursday and showed that Gordon is the father with 99.9 percent certainty. Another court hearing has been set for Nov. 8.

Before Gordon’s reinstatement, the Browns contacted teams regarding a potential trade involving the former All-Pro selection, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garofalo. Cleveland was seeking a “second-round pick and then some,” Garofalo added. The news quickly led Gordon to reaffirm his commitment to the team.

“Cleveland is my team. That’s where I want to be,” Gordon said. “I’m happy to be with Cleveland.”

The Browns are 0-3 to start the season, and rookie wideout Corey Coleman will be sidelined the next three to five weeks due to a broken hand. It seems the Browns will need to wait a little longer before adding some much-needed veteran help to their young receiving corps.

ATLANTA, GA – NOVEMBER 23:  Josh Gordon #12 of the Cleveland Browns stands on the sideliens in the first half against the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome on November 23, 2014 in Atlanta, Georgia.  (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)

Josh Gordon appeared at a hearing on Wednesday after a warrant was issued for his arrest for the Cleveland Browns wide receiver failing to submit to a paternity test.

Warrant Issued For Browns WR Josh Gordon’s Arrest, But NFL Says Playing Status Is Unaffected

“We are aware of the situation,” the Browns organization said in a statement. “Josh and his attorney are working with the Cuyahoga County Courts to resolve this matter. We have no further comment at this time”

Attorneys for the 25-year-old former Pro Bowler — who is serving a four-game suspension to start this season due to violations of the NFL’s substance-abuse policy — issued a statement saying Gordon appeared at Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court in Cleveland and that “the matter was continued until November should a further hearing be needed.”

The warrant stems from a complaint filed by Christina Lockhart on July 2, 2015. Lockhart is reportedly seeking child support from Gordon, who she claims is the father of her 1-year-old daughter.

The Browns wideout allegedly failed to respond to subpoenas sent to two separate addresses in Los Angeles and Cleveland. Gordon was also asked to submit samples for genetic testing on Sept. 23, 2015, but he failed to comply.

On Aug. 31, the court’s judge, Judge Alison Floyd, approved a warrant to arrest Gordon after he failed to attend a hearing.

Nevertheless, his playing status will remain unaffected, the NFL said. League spokesman Brian McCarthy said Gordon remains eligible to play again in the Browns’ game on Oct. 9 against the New England Patriots. He can resume practicing on Oct. 3.

Gordon is permitted to attend meetings, although he must remain in the facility when the team practices. He is, however, forbidden from speaking to the media during his suspension, the Browns said.

Gordon, who led the NFL in 2013 with 1,646 yards receiving, has been suspended for 29 of Cleveland’s past 34 games.

Coach Hue Jackson lauded Gordon despite the warrant, which comes during the same week the Browns are preparing rookie quarterback Cody Kessler to play at Miami.

“He still is doing well in my opinion,” Jackson said. “I don’t know all the inner workings of that (case). I can’t tell you about everything that goes on outside this building.

“But I know in this building, in our meetings, with me, with our coaches, with the players, he has been outstanding. That’s what I have to judge on. Now we’ll find out about this other part and know a little bit more about it as we move forward, but I have nothing but great things to say about Josh.”

Besides Gordon, another Browns player who has gotten himself into trouble in the last year is former quarterback Johnny Manziel, who was released by the team and dropped by two of his agents after a series of incidents of misconduct. Manziel quickly gained a reputation as a party animal, and was also involved in a legal case surrounding his allegedly violent behavior towards his ex-girlfriend.

ATLANTA, GA – NOVEMBER 23:  Josh Gordon #12 of the Cleveland Browns stands on the sideliens in the first half against the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome on November 23, 2014 in Atlanta, Georgia.  (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon has been reinstated to play the 2016 season on a conditional basis and will be suspended for the first four games.

Gordon will be allowed to attend the Browns training camp once it has been established that the team will find and provide help for him in Cleveland to stay substance free. He will then be allowed to participate in preseason practices and games.

Sashi Brown, Executive Vice President of Football Operations for the Browns, explained how the process is going to work out, according to FOX. “With the league’s decision to afford Josh the opportunity to resume his career, he will be with us for the start of training camp. At that time, we will discuss directly with Josh the direction of our team, our expectations of our players and a plan to support him on and off the field,” Brown said.

During his first four game suspension during the regular season Gordon will be able to attend team meetings and other activities but won’t be allowed to attend practices or games.

Gordon has been banned from at least two games every year the past three seasons for violating of the league’s substance abuse program. He missed two games in 2013, yet still managed to lead the league in receiving with 1,646 yards. In 2014 he only played in five games after being arrested for driving while impaired and was suspended for the entire season and indefinitely in 2015 for violating the NFL Policy and Program For Substances of Abuse.

Gordon petitioned for reinstatement this past April but it was denied for having failed a drug test the month prior, according to ESPN.

It certainly isn’t the most popular opinion.

OPINION: Manziel’s Football Career Far From Over

After his latest slip-up, Johnny Manziel will be absent from the field for the first four games of the 2016 NFL season due to the league’s suspension of the oft-troubled quarterback for breach of its substance abuse policy, according to reports.

But the fact remains, Johnny Football can still squeeze a quality career out of the talent that had scouts and reporters gushing when he entered the 2014 NFL Draft.

The obstacles Manziel must overcome to revive that career are numerous.

Growing concern over his substance abuse issues have now overtaken the weariness about his immaturity.

Maybe it is a mixture of both.

‘Money’ Manziel still faces charges for domestic violence stemming from a January incident in which his former girlfriend alleges he  “dragged her into his car ” outside of a hotel in the Dallas area, then “hit her several times” as the couple’s argument escalated while the vehicle was in motion.

Johnny Football has become a fixture on TMZ, pictured partying endlessly, despite the efforts of the Cleveland Browns front office and even his own father, who several times have attempted (unsuccessfully) to steer him back on course.

The latest sign came from Manziel himself, who has been living it up this offseason at his palatial vacation home in Cabo San Lucas.

MANZIEL’S A&M HIGHLIGHT REEL

Another desperate plea from his father to get help, however pointed, appears to have fallen on deaf ears.

“He’s a druggie,” Paul Manziel told ESPN’s Josina Anderson last week. “It’s not a secret that he’s a druggie. I don’t know what to say other than my son is a druggie and he needs help. … Hopefully he doesn’t die before he before he comes to his senses.”

Manziel’s father explained that he was able to convince his son to attend rehab earlier this year but “the system failed” and he was permitted to leave.

“I had him in rehab and he escaped and the doctors let him go,” Paul Manziel told Anderson. “He has more money than me, he can outrun me. Like I said, there are two things that are going to happen: He’s either going to die, or he’s going to figure out that he needs help. … You can’t just chase somebody who is not willing to listen.”

Few expected a public response from Manziel, fewer still expected he would apologize to his family for his actions.

But no one could have predicted what he would say, if he chose to speak at all.

Monday, Manziel posted a photo on his Instagram account, donning a Josh Gordon Browns jersey, with the following caption: “@flashgordonxii I won’t take this thing off for a week. You my brother FOR LIFE. JUST WAIT ON THIS COMEBACK!!!! #CaboWabo #JoshAintHere #hiDad #HappyBdayDaveEvans @akarambo_”

One day later Manziel told TMZ he was starting his comeback July 1.

At present, the former Cleveland QB is contending with a likely substance abuse problem, domestic violence charges, a family that has lost faith and a league imposed suspension (with the possibility of another coming down the pike).

Did I mention that he is not currently signed with any of the league’s 32 franchises?

So how could he possibly still have a future in the NFL?

For openers, he has hit rock bottom.

The depths which Manziel has fallen cannot be understated: from first round draft pick, to teamless free agent in two years flat.

It really can’t get any worse, so the only way to go, is up.

And don’t forget that Johnny Football has youth on his side. The 6-foot, 209-pound signal caller is 23 and won’t turn 24 until Week 13 of the 2016 season, his third in the league.

Aaron Rodgers sat for three seasons behind Brett Favre.

Rodgers didn’t begin his career until 2008, at the age of, wait for it … 24. Now the prized prospect of out Cal is throwing hail mary’s to win games and discount double-checking opponents into submission.

Manziel could miss the entire 2016 season and still have a solid shot at redeeming his fall from grace.

Remember, he has only played in 14 games, so his body, absent substances, is just as durable as it was when he entered the league in 2014. He can still sling it around the yard, he can still make plays with his legs and he can still become a franchise quarterback.

The team that chooses to take a chance on him will be in for a pleasant surprise.

“I do believe he’s serious,” an anonymous source told ESPN regarding Johnny Football’s comeback. “He’s talked awhile about knuckling down, getting ready and working out.”

Today, according to Manziel, will mark the first day of his new life.

He has pledged to get clean and get back to the promise people saw in him coming out of Texas A&M as the first sophomore to ever win a Heisman Trophy.

Ten years from now we could be talking about a perennial Pro-Bowler.

Kurt Warner’s NFL career didn’t get jump-started until he was 27. Steve Young sat behind Joe Montana for four years in San Francisco, not taking over as starter until 1991 when he was 29.

Young  is a Hall of Famer, Warner will be soon.

KURT WARNER HIGHLIGHTS

STEVE YOUNG HIGHLIGHTS

Manziel is every bit as talented as those two.

You can never underestimate the power of telling someone “you can’t.” Manziel has heard those words countless times over the course of his brief, but colorful, football career.

Look no further than the comments of Super Bowl 50 MVP Von Miller, who still believes Manziel can rise from the ashes of his own ruining.

“You can’t ever count anybody out and I think everybody who has counted him out is wrong,” Miller told reporters in April.

This isn’t the swan song for johnny Manziel, it’s the starting gun.

And the race for redemption is officially underway.

Although Johnny Manziel is no longer with the Cleveland Browns due to a series of events displaying misbehavior, the former quarterback has still not completely remained out of sight.

Johnny Manziel Wears Josh Gordon Jersey And Greets Dad From Mexico

In an Instagram photo of him in Mexico posted Tuesday, Manziel greeted both his father and Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon, whose No. 12 jersey he is seen donning in the photo in which he stands on a bluff overlooking the ocean. Manziel posted the photo from a luxury resort in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

The QB also added the caption: “I won’t take this thing off for a week. You my brother FOR LIFE. JUST WAIT ON THIS COMEBACK!!!!”

He then added a series of hashtags including #JoshAintHere and #hiDad, seemingly referring to his father’s harsh warning on Friday that Manziel is in serious trouble with his substance abuse, and that only jail or rehab can now save him.

Since being waived by the Browns in March, Manziel has been charged with misdemeanor assault, has been in two car accidents.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BHNfdtKgHAk/

“He’s a druggie,” Paul Manziel told ESPN’s Josina Anderson. “It’s not a secret that he’s a druggie. I don’t know what to say other than my son is a druggie and he needs help.

“He just hasn’t sought it yet. Hopefully he doesn’t die before he comes to his senses. That’s about all you can say. I don’t know what else to say. I hate to say it but I hope he goes to jail. I mean, that would be the best place for him. So we’ll see.”

Clearly, Paul Manziel knows he can’t avoid speaking bluntly about his troubled athlete son at this point.

“We’ve done everything that we can do,” the QB’s father continued. “Life goes on. You can’t just chase somebody that’s not willing to listen. The story is not going to change. It’s the same.

“If I have to bury him, I’ll bury him. That’s the fact. So if not, if he calls me and needs help, I’ll go get him. Until then, he’s on his own. I’ve done everything I can do. There is nothing [else] I can do as a father. Nothing. … It is, what it is. He’s a druggie and everybody needs to accept it.”

Nevertheless, Manziel’s photo appeared to mostly be a shout-out to Gordon, who will be eligible to apply for re-instatement to the NFL from his indefinite drug back on Aug. 1.

Gordon, who sat out all last season, hasn’t been heard from much since April, when he spent time with Manziel in Los Angeles and then attended the Coachella music festival with him around that time.

At the Browns Foundation Golf outing June 16, Browns special advisor Jim Brown told cleveland.com that he spoke to Gordon twice in the past month and that the receiver was in rehab for his substance issues and taking his comeback in a very serious way.

He also stated that he believes the team will welcome Gordon back if he becomes reinstated by Commissioner Roger Goodell and if he demonstrates he’s committed. Finally, Brown said Gordon’s career shouldn’t be over just because he smoked marijuana.

Brown believed he was sincere in his promise to return to the club a committed player.

A few days prior to the trip to Coachella, Gordon picked Manziel up on the Sunset Strip after he was a passenger in a one-car accident. The owner of a luxury rental home agency also told cleveland.com that a man identifying himself as Gordon was with Manziel at a house he’s accused of trashing during two nights of partying.

Manziel is being sued for both the damages to the car and the rental home.

Manziel also told TMZ in an interview on Wednesday that he’s getting “completely sober” on July 1.

One of the women staying in the Cabo house posted a picture of herself holding several bags of what appears to be drugs, but made no connection to Manziel.

“They’re absolutely not mine,” he told TMZ. “I don’t even know that girl.”

CLEVELAND, OH – NOVEMBER 30: Johnny Manziel #2 of the Cleveland Browns warms up prior to the game against the Baltimore Ravens at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 30, 2015 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

Suspended wide receiver Josh Gordon has failed another NFL administered drug test, according to Fox Sports.

Josh Gordon Fails Another Drug Test

The sample submitted by the receiver actually contained less than the legal limit of marijuana allowed by the league, but also had a diluting substance.  Having a diluted sample counts the same as a failed drug test.

Gordon is currently serving a year long suspension after testing positive for alcohol use in January 2015.  He submitted to the NFL’s substance abuse program in September 2014 and was suspended for a year in February 2015.  He applied for reinstatement this past January, but with news of this recent test, he won’t be able to to be reinstated for 2-3 months.

When Gordon has been on the field, he has proven to be a real game changer for the Browns.  Selected in the second round of the 2012 NFL Supplemental Draft, the 6’3 225 pound Gordon showed potential as he caught 50 passes for 805 yards and five touchdowns.

He had a breakout sophomore NFL season in 2013, despite playing in 14 games.  During his second season, Gordon had 87 receptions for 1,646 yards (Browns’ record) and 9 touchdowns.  He was led the league in receiving yards and was named an All-Pro and named to the Pro-Bowl.  During the season, Gordon became the first player in NFL history to have consecutive 200 yard receiving games with 237 yards against the Steelers followed by franchise record 261 yards against Jacksonville the following week.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Gordon’s possible reinstatement will be delayed until the NFL is comfortable with a period of 60-90 days with no “red-flag tests”.

It was also recently disclosed that embattled former Browns’ quarterback Johnny Manziel has been living with Gordon during the offseason.

Jimmy Haslam reign has really started out on the wrong foot. With all his promises to bring the Cleveland Browns out of obscurity, his team has become more of a media sensation than a cohesive organization. And this primarily has to do with the latest problems of Johnny Manziel, the Ray Farmer scandal and the suspension of Josh Gordon.

So the last few days, Haslam has made it his job to comment on all the media coverage of his organization.   As for Manziel, the Browns will of course back him on his decision to go to rehab and there is no plan to give up on him.

“I applaud him for raising his hand and saying, ‘I need help.’ We’re going to do everything we can to support him. Our primary interest is making sure that he gets well… However long that takes, we’re going to stand beside him. We hope Johnny can get that straightened out because we feel he’s a really good athlete and can help our team. But the first thing he’s got to do is get himself fixed.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_IaKC7vGSs

As for the rumors the Browns are going after Oregon sensation Marcus Mariota, he claimed the speculation from the media is baseless. In the offseason, the team hired Kevin O’Connell as their new QB coach. He has been training Mariota for the combine. As a result, news outlets ran wild speculating they made this move because they want Mariota: in reality O’Connell is a talent who even coached Manziel prior to the draft.

Now, the Josh Gordon suspension is another harsh blow: the young wide receiver, who has shown amazing promise, will be banned from football for at least the 2015 season. But Haslam refuses to cut him at this time, yet feels that Gordon has to recognize his actions and help himself.

“At a certain point in time an individual has to take care of themselves and do what’s right — not just for themselves … but for the team, the coaches, the people in the building, the fans. Josh has failed to accept that responsibility,” he said. “I hope he can get his life together, he’s immensely gifted.” It is smart to keep him for now: they do not have to pay him for the 2015 season and if he gets his life together, they are still paying him a minimum salary in 2016.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDfdA6Hu5kQ

And finally, the horribly named text-gate scandal involving Browns GM Ray Farmer. While Haslam denies any inclusion in the scandal, he also sticks up for his GM, “I’ll just say that I don’t think Ray intended to gain any unfair advantage and he’s learned from his mistakes.”

As for the question of firing him, “At the end of the day that’s my decision. I think you have to look at an individual’s body of work. We’re comfortable with Ray’s body of work, very comfortable. Ray’s smart. He works hard. I think he understands football. He’s been in football all his life. He relates extremely well to players. He knows it not only from a personnel standpoint but from the way a game should be run and managed standpoint.”