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Pittsburgh Steelers Pro-Bowler Cam Heyward is advocating for his former teammate, Martavis Bryant, and former Pro-Bowl wide receiver Josh Gordon to be reinstated into the NFL.
Heyward, who hosts the podcast “Not Just Football with Cam Heyward,” discussed how the league’s rules regarding certain issues have evolved over time, suggesting that Bryant and another former Pro-Bowl wide receiver, Josh Gordon, deserve a second chance in the NFL.
Martavis Bryant, known for his deep-threat capabilities, showcased his talent during his early years with the Steelers.
Between 2014 and 2017, he recorded impressive numbers, making 126 catches for 1,917 yards and scoring 17 touchdowns. Unfortunately, Bryant’s promising career was derailed by his inability to pass drug tests, with marijuana being his substance of choice. The NFL, which had strict policies against drug use, suspended him, leading to his absence from the league.
Heyward emphasized the changing landscape of the NFL’s rules when discussing Bryant and Gordon. He believes that if the league had implemented more lenient policies earlier, both players would still be active in the NFL. Heyward acknowledged the undeniable talent of Bryant and Gordon and hopes that they can demonstrate their abilities and work their way back into the league.
“You look at guys like Martavis Bryant, and you look at Josh Gordon, and you see that the rules of the NFL have changed,” Heyward said, “If those things had changed before, those guys wouldn’t be out of the league. Those guys can play in the NFL. They’ve proven that. Let’s see if they can continue to do it, and they work their way back up.”
As of now, both Bryant and Gordon have found themselves in the XFL, a league brought back to life by former wrestler and actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in August 2020. Bryant plays for the Las Vegas Vipers, while former Patriots and Browns Pro-Bowl receiver Josh Gordon is a member of the Seattle Sea Dragons.
During their time in the NFL, both Bryant and Gordon faced multiple suspensions. Bryant received an indefinite suspension on December 14, 2018, due to violating the terms of his conditional reinstatement, marking his third suspension in just four seasons. Heyward, who was Bryant’s teammate during various periods, including the years 2014, 2015, 2017, and serves as the Steelers NFLPA representative, advocates for giving Bryant another opportunity to play in the NFL.
Cam Heyward’s advocacy for the reinstatement of Martavis Bryant and Josh Gordon into the NFL sheds light on the changing landscape of the league’s rules and policies.
Heyward believes that both players have proven their abilities and deserve another chance to contribute to the sport they excel at. As the discussion surrounding the reinstatement of these players continues, time will tell if the NFL will consider revising its policies and allowing them to return to the field.