Recently, New England Patriots veteran quarterback Tom Brady posted a workout video where he was seen throwing to suspended wide receiver Josh Gordon, who was indefinitely banned by the NFL for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. The move fueled speculations that Gordon’s suspension could be coming to an end and he will be reinstated by the NFL anytime soon. If reinstated, Gordon is expected to be a valuable contributor to the Patriots’ offense as they pursue a seventh Super Bowl trophy. Last season, Gordon played 11 games with the Patriots, catching 40 passes for 720 yards and three touchdowns before he was slapped with an indefinite suspension.
According to Pat Thorman of Pro Football Focus, Brady had more success throwing to Gordon compared to any other target in his career, based on his 149.3 passer rating while passing to the troubled wide receiver amid intense pressure. However, the NFL has yet to decide on whether to allow Gordon to return for the 2019 season or not, according to Jeff Howe of The Athletic. Howe said he inquired with an NFL spokesman about Gordon’s status, but the latter answered that he still has no update about the wide receiver’s status. Also, the spokesman did not mention any time regarding the review of the suspension. If reinstated, Gordon is slated to suit up for the Patriots, who signed him to a one-year, $2.025 million contract in the offseason.
Brady and wife took Gordon to dinner several times
While it was unknown to everyone, Brady and his wife Gisele Bundchen showed Gordon some love when he arrived in New England via trade with the Cleveland Browns last season. According to Jeff Darlington of ESPN, Brady recognized that Gordon needs some attention, so he and his wife went out to dinner with the wide receiver several times last season.
“Tom recognized that he needs to bring this guy in, foster him, make him feel like he is at home, recognizing some of the issues that Josh Gordon goes through,” Darlington told NFL Live. Darlington lauded Brady’s move, saying it manifests the veteran quarterback being a good person and trying to help anyone who needs assistance.
“Tom Brady, to this day, really respects Josh Gordon and would love to see him live a better life,” said Darlington.
Ex-Patriots rusher gives Super Bowl ring to father
Former Patriots running back Kenjon Barner played just five games with the team last season before he was finally let go. During his stint with the Patriots, he tallied only 71 yards on 19 carries. Despite his short stint, the Patriots still gave Barner a Super Bowl ring in recognition of his contribution to the team. Instead of keeping it, Barner gave the ring to his father on Father’s Day, posting a video of the moment on his Twitter account. Despite his generous move, Barner still has one Super Bowl ring as he was part of the Philadelphia Eagles' championship squad that defeated the Patriots in Super Bowl LII. Barner recently signed with the Atlanta Falcons.
