Josh Gordon cannot do anything to change his past. He knows there are doubters who believe it is just a matter of time before he slips up again.
Gordon is looking forward – straight ahead.
“The only thing I can control is what I do on the field,” the Pro Bowler said. “So that’s what I’m doing. I can’t control the masses. That’s not my job.”
The Browns’ supremely talented wide receiver, who easily outruns defensive backs but cannot seem to steer clear of trouble, returned to his job this week, practising for the first time since his 10-game suspension for repeated drug violations ended.
The NFL's leader in yards receiving last season – despite missing two games – Gordon has returned just in time to give Cleveland a much needed offensive jolt.
The No 12 expects to be on the field today when they visit the Atlanta Falcons.
“It’s great to be back,” he said.
“I’m very ready. I’ve had a long time to get ready for it.”
Surrounded by cameras and reporters, Gordon was a bit nervous as he described the challenges of his long lay-off.
He was repentant and said he knows his actions hurt the Browns but also his family.
“There’s a lot of people I feel I owe,” he said.
“My family members, friends, people that felt more embarrassed about it.
“The people closest to me feel it harder than anybody and I feel as though I owe them as well as the Browns, but I’d like to do that by performing well.”
In his first game back after serving a two-game suspension last season, Gordon caught 10 passes for 146 yards and a touchdown in a win over the Minnesota Vikings.
Gordon feels he can come in from the cold and deliver a similar performance this week against the Falcons (4-6).
Browns coach Mike Pettine cautioned that Gordon may not be ready – mentally or physically.
“The trap to fall into is, ‘Hey, he’s back and let’s just go ahead and throw him out there for a bunch of plays’,” Pettine said.
“There’s certainly danger inherent in doing that and we have to be smart with how we do it.”
Gordon was on the cusp of superstardom last season, when he amassed 1,646 yards receiving and scored nine touchdowns.
Instead, he was punished by the league after he failed another test for marijuana.
Gordon was initially banned by the league for a year but had his suspension reduced in September.
Gordon said he considered suing the league, but believes the penalty against him was fair.
“We came to a reasonable conclusion,” he said.
“Both sides might not have gotten exactly what we both wanted, but we compromised and I think we worked it out just fine.
“Considering the rules and that prior rules were broken, they had every right to do exactly what they did.”
The time away made Gordon more patient and appreciative.
He has paid his price and does not want to let anyone down again.
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