FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Patriots wide receiver Josh Gordon released a statement before the team's first game of the season on Sunday.
In the statement released on Twitter, he addressed last season's suspension and discussed his battle with substance abuse.
The NFL suspended him indefinitely in December after he violated the substance-abuse policy, and he announced he was leaving the team to focus on his mental health.
He has been public about his mental health and substance abuse issues and revealed he started using marijuana, Xanax and codeine in middle school.
Last month, he was reinstated to the NFL "on a conditional basis."
In his new statement, he thanks his family, friends, and fans for their support, and he says he will no longer be discussing the details of his past.
It reads, "I look forward to being a member of the Patriots once again this season and doing my part by contributing on and off the field."
The Patriots take on the Pittsburgh Steelers at Gillette Stadium on Sunday at 8:20 pm.
[ Josh Gordon reinstated by NFL, eligible to return to Patriots on Sunday ]