Over the years, the NFL has lifted suspensions of players whose names were on the brink of becoming forgotten. Josh Gordon is the most well-known example. Gordon was suspended multiple times for violating the league’s drug policy, mainly for his use of marijuana. He frequently moved between teams and was never able to regain his former glory with the Cleveland Browns.
Now, another high-profile player is being given a second chance. The NFL has reinstated Rolando McClain, the eighth overall pick in the 2010 draft who played for five seasons with the Oakland Raiders and Dallas Cowboys. McClain was a highly-regarded prospect coming out of Alabama, where he won a National Championship and was named the best linebacker in the nation. However, he retired early at the age of 23 following the 2012 season after just three seasons with the Raiders.
McClain revived his career with the Cowboys in 2014, but his troubles soon caught up with him, resulting in several suspensions over the next few years. His issues were related to an addiction to codeine, but he has since overcome that part of his life and is ready to make a comeback.
According to Mike Fisher of Sports Illustrated, McClain stated, “I never planned to not return to football. I’m still ‘me’ in every way… I’m ready for the NFL now. Football is life. I love the game.”
