Josh Gordon receiving paid health treatment from Patriots, NFL, NFLPA

Josh Gordon left the Patriots to serve an indefinite suspension and focus on his health and rehabilitation, which is being paid for in part by the team.

It may feel like a distant memory now with the Super Bowl less than six days away, but there was a time not so very long ago when Josh Gordon was the New England Patriots’ leading receiver.

With Julian Edelman suspended for four games, Rob Gronkowski struggling with injuries, and Danny Amendola shipped off to Miami, it was Gordon who kept Tom Brady and the Patriots offense humming during long stretches of the season. If not for him (as well as James White and Cordarrelle Patterson), perhaps New England might not have even gotten this far.

Because of his contributions during the 11 games he played for the team, Gordon stands to receive a Super Bowl ring should the Pats prevail over the Rams this Sunday. Going one step further, the franchise is also reportedly helping to cover the costs of Gordon’s treatment at a health and wellness facility in Florida, according to Doug Kyed of NESN.com.

It’s unknown just what exactly that treatment entails – or how much it costs – but it is known that the bill is being footed by the Patriots with support from the NFL and the NFLPA in a joint effort, according to Kyed’s sources.

Gordon left the team in late December, announcing on his social media channels that he was doing so to focus on his mental health. Hours later, most major news outlets were reporting an indefinite suspension was forthcoming in the wake of a diluted test sample.

Gordon could easily be considered the league’s poster-child for substance abuse problems, positive drug tests, and lengthy suspensions. He’s played a full 16-game season just once in his NFL career, way back in 2012 as a rookie with the Cleveland Browns. Since then, he’s missed numerous games – and even full seasons – while facing discipline from the league for repeated infractions and a history of self-abuse.

Throughout his most recent ordeal here in New England, his Patriots teammates have had his back, offering messages of love, support, and brotherhood to Gordon via social media and interviews with the press.

This latest story of the franchise itself going so far as to cover the treatment he needs is another inspirational example of when it’s necessary to prioritize life and health above football and sport.