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The NFL is constantly on the lookout for players attempting to use deception to gain an edge over their opponents. Almost every sporting organization on the planet has a strict policy against using performance-enhancing substances.
Patrick Mahomes, the 2023 Super Bowl MVP, was recently falsely accused of using performance-enhancing drugs. The @S CharlesNFL Twitter account started the rumor. The account claims to be a "respected sports writer" and uses an elderly man's stock photo.
The NFL has caught and suspended a number of players for violating its policy, which carries a six-game suspension. Let's see how their careers progressed after the suspension.
NFL players who were caught using PEDs and their careers after suspension
Due to his violation of the league's protocol in May, the star receiver is the most recent to face a PED punishment. As a result, for the first six games of the season, the Cardinals missed their most potent weapon.
Hopkins returned in Week 7, and in the 42-34 victory over the New Orleans Saints, he had 10 receptions for 103 yards. In the 34-26 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 8, he had 12 receptions for 159 yards and one score.
Hopkins played in nine of the 2022 season's games. In total, he caught 64 passes for 717 yards and three touchdowns.
Jordan Willis
San Francisco 49ers defensive end Jordan Willis was suspended for the first six games of the 2021 season for breaking the NFL's PED policy.
In 2021, he played in ten games, recording three sacks among 15 combined tackles.
Josh Gordon
It was Gordon's fifth ban for breaking the NFL's policy on substance abuse and performance-enhancing drugs when he was given an indefinite suspension on Dec. 16, 2019.
He re-signed with the Seahawks on Sept. 3, 2020, following his release as a free agent in March 2020. On Dec. 3, he received conditional reinstatement from his ban, and the NFL declared that he would be able to participate in the final two games of the regular season.
While on suspension from the NFL, Gordon signed a contract with the FCF Zappers of the Fan Controlled Football League on Feb. 27, 2021.
Gordon contributed to the Zappers' 2-2 record in his debut contest with four receptions for 70 yards, including the game-winning Hail Mary.
Julian Edelman
Edelman, although never chosen for a Pro Bowl, was among the NFL's most effective postseason receivers. On June 7, 2018, it was revealed that Edelman would face a four-game suspension for breaking the rules against the use of performance-enhancing drugs.
After missing the season's first four games, Edelman was reinstated on Oct. 2. He caught seven passes for 57 yards while playing against the Indianapolis Colts on "Thursday Night Football."
After making a successful return, Edelman played two more successful seasons before announcing his retirement on April 12, 2021, after 12 seasons with the Patriots. The Patriots later terminated his contract because he failed a physical.
Following his retirement, Edelman participated in a number of podcast interviews looking back on his career, including "Pardon My Take" and "Green Light" with Chris Long, who was Edelman's teammate in 2016.
Brian Cushing
Cushing failed a performance-enhancing substance test in September 2009 and was found to have elevated levels of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin in his body. Cushing was also suspended for the first four games of the 2010 season for violating the NFL's policy on such substances.
He returned and played for a few seasons after the event. Cushing received a 10-game ban on Sept. 13, 2017, for once again breaking the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing drugs.
The Texans released Cushing on Feb. 20, 2018, ending his nine-season tenure as the team's all-time top tackler. His NFL career ended with his second suspension and numerous ailments.
Cushing was signed by the Houston Texans on Jan. 29, 2019, to collaborate with strength and conditioning coaches and provide support to players on defense.
