Josh Gordon Stepping Away From Patriots; Faces Long Suspension

FOXBOROUGH, MA — Patriots receiver Josh Gordon is taking a break from football to address what he called his mental health. He is facing another indefinite suspension for violating the terms of his reinstatement under the substance abuse policy, the NFL Network reported soon after Gordon announced his break. The NFL later confirmed the suspension.

"I take my mental health very seriously at this point to ensure I remain able to perform at the highest level," Gordon, 27, said on Twitter Thursday morning. "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."

He then went on to thank the Patriots and their fans for their support.

"We support Josh Gordon in his continued efforts to focus on his health," the Patriots said in a brief statement. "His attempt to do so is a private and personal matter, which we intend to respect."

Gordon, acquired from the Browns this season for a fifth-round pick, has missed dozens of games in his career due to substance abuse-related suspensions, including sitting the entire 2015 and 2016 seasons.

Gordon had quickly become one of Tom Brady's favorite and most dangerous targets. In 11 games with the Patriots this season, he had 40 catches for 720 yards and three touchdowns.

It's been a tough couple of weeks for the Patriots, who last on a last-second whacky play in Miami before falling short in Pittsburgh Sunday. Reporters who follow the team are questioning if Brady has a serious knee injury, which could add a wrinkle to what has been an already tumultuous season.

(Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images)