Former NFL wide receiver Josh Gordon says New England Patriots staff kept close track of his whereabouts during his time with the team, an experience he discussed with former teammate Johnny Manziel on the *Glory Daze* podcast.
Manziel asked Gordon whether Bill Belichick had a security team following him around New England. Gordon confirmed that people monitored him, but said he did not believe Belichick personally ordered it.
“True story. It’s a true story,” Gordon said. “No, I don’t think it was Bill. Everybody was kind of scared of Bill, so they would overdo it and micromanage any situation. But there were a couple guys that knew my whereabouts always, you know, so even in the shower, I won’t say any names, but you’d hear a knock on the door.”
Gordon said the monitoring extended to moments when he was showering. He appeared to understand the team’s reasoning, describing the effort as a way to protect its investment and make sure he arrived at work.
“They were protecting their assets, and at least they’re willing to go to that length to make sure you showed up to work, so I don’t blame them,” he said.
## Gordon’s arrival in New England
Gordon joined the Patriots in September 2018, when the Cleveland Browns traded him to New England. In exchange, the Browns received a 2019 fifth-round draft pick, and the teams also included a conditional seventh-round pick in the deal. The Browns had reportedly become concerned about Gordon’s sobriety after he arrived late to a game that month.
Gordon had already shown what he could do on the field. In 2013, he led the NFL in receiving yards. However, suspensions had also kept him out of two full seasons, making his return to football a significant challenge.
When Gordon first met Belichick, the Patriots coach reportedly made the expectations clear. Gordon recalled being shown a large playbook and being asked to learn enough of it in only a few days to be ready to play.
“This is a 20-year playbook. Can you understand at least this amount by Friday? We’re gonna need you to start on Sunday,” Gordon recalled Belichick saying.
The Patriots put support around the receiver as he joined the team. Jack Easterby, then the team’s character development coach, reportedly made Gordon his top project. Gordon’s media access was also limited to one short session during the week and one after games.
Quarterback Tom Brady said he spent extensive time with Gordon, including working late and reviewing film together.
“We’re here until late at night, early in the morning, on the field, watching film and so forth,” Brady said. “I can’t say enough good things.”
Belichick also spoke positively about Gordon’s efforts after the receiver made his Patriots debut on September 30, 2018.
“Josh has worked hard, he’s a smart kid and he’s got quite a bit of experience,” Belichick said.
## A short-lived return to the field
Gordon made an impact during his first season in New England. He caught 40 passes for 720 yards and three touchdowns across 11 games in 2018.
But on December 20 of that year, Gordon stepped away from football to focus on his mental health. He later received an indefinite suspension from the NFL for violating the terms of his conditional reinstatement. The league’s substance-abuse policy requires players to comply with treatment and testing requirements, and violations can result in suspension.
The suspension meant Gordon missed the Patriots’ Super Bowl run. He still received a Super Bowl ring, even though he was no longer playing with the team.
Belichick responded to the news the following day with a brief message of support.
“It’s obviously an unfortunate situation, and personally, I wish him the very best, as we all do on this team,” Belichick said.
Gordon was reinstated in August 2019 and played six games that season before his time in New England came to an end. When he returned, he thanked the Patriots organization, the NFL and the NFL Players Association for their assistance.
Gordon officially retired in September 2024. Reflecting on the end of his playing career, he said closing that part of his life brought a sense of relief.
“It feels liberating to have that chapter of my life end and come to a close,” he said.
His account of being monitored in New England offers a glimpse into the close oversight he experienced while with the Patriots. Gordon said he did not blame the team, framing the attention as part of its effort to support him and ensure he was where he needed to be.
