Julian Edelman Releases Touching Statement About Josh Gordon’s Absence

The Patriots now have one game under their belts without Josh Gordon. 

Josh Gordon left the Patriots in order to take care of his mental health. But, that was not the only Gordon-related news these days. The receiver was suspended for “violating the terms of his conditional reinstatement under the Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse.”

While the resounding message following Josh Gordon’s suspension and departure from NFL to focus on his mental health was simply well wishes from his now former Patriots teammates, they must wage on the rest of the way without him. 

“He was making plays for us, but we wish him the best to get himself right,” Julian Edelman told reporters following New England’s 24-12 win over the Bills, via NESN.com. “That’s a tough thing to go through. We’re here to support him. But sometimes the train gotta keep going. The train keeps moving. As much as you miss him, you gotta start thinking about what you gotta do to keep on going out and trying to win ballgames. And that’s what we’re gonna try to continue to do.

“But like I said, we’re wishing him the best. Get himself right. That’s a tough thing — not just for football, but for life. My love and prayers are all going toward him. I got to spend a little time with him and thought he was a great guy, thought he was a great teammate. I hope he can get right.”

The Patriots passing game was quiet on Sunday as the team rushed for 273 yards and two touchdowns. Tom Brady threw for just 126 yards to go along with a touchdown and two interceptions. Rob Gronkowski was held without a catch in this game and also commented on Gordon’s departure after the game. 

“We’ve been here for a while. Guys go down, been in so many situations like that where someone else has to step up, the offense has to step up and fill the void,” Gronkowski said. “Certainly miss him, but we just gotta keep grinding and keep working hard with guys that we have here now.”