Josh Gordon Reveals His First Impressions After Spectacular Return With Patriots

Josh Gordon is back with the New England Patriots, and he joined the team for the regular season openers against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The wide receicer talked to reporters for the first time since his reinstatement.

“For me, initially it was a culture shock,” Gordon admitted after the Patriots’ season-opening 33-3 rout of the Pittsburgh Steelers at Gillette Stadium. “It was definitely different. I think as I grew in this environment and got to observe other young men move and organize and act professionally, expectations were high. It wasn’t anything more than what I think they knew that they could do what was being asked of them.

“I was like, ‘All right, this is the way it’s done here.’ I could either get with it or look for a transition somewhere else. It’s tough, but if this is what you want to do, I think this is the best place to be.”

If you ask Gordon, he will say that he is in a good place at the moment.

“I’m doing very well,” Gordon explained. “I’m extremely filled with gratitude every day, just enjoying myself. Coming inside this building, being with this family-oriented type of environment, and just doing what I love to do. There’s nothing better than this, honestly. It’s great.” 

Gordon didn’t take part in the spring practice or training camp with the tam. He worked on his physical condition and skills with strength and conditioning coach Moses Carbera.

“He’s been a real good resource for me,” Gordon said of Cabrera. “Coming back, getting into shape, making sure I’m on top of things and giving my best effort. We talk about it every day, what we want to put out there at practice. It feels good to know that we put together somewhat of a finished product this first week and were able to maintain. Now we want to be able to build upon it. So continued hard work, that’s what we’re all about. That’s what I’m going to continue to try and do.” 

Gordon caught three passes on four targets, but scored the Patriots’ first touchdown.

“We have spent a lot of time together,” Gordon said when asked about rebuilding his relationship with the GOAT. “I think over the course of time, talking together, working together after practice, in between practice — yeah, I get the feel for what he likes and I try to find my way there as best I can. I think it’ll get better. It’s the first game, so we’re building.” 

Brady likes Gordon’s role on the field. He said, “I think Josh is a great player, and he was last year for us. It’s great to have him out there. He’s a dynamic player, and every game that we play together, there’s just more things that come up, there’s more trust that’s built. I’ll keep finding a way to get him the ball.”