KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Josh Gordon said he had options as he decided where he wanted to play after his most recent NFL reinstatement. But the wide receiver couldn't say no when the Kansas City Chiefs called.
"In the offensive climate we've got in the NFL, Kansas City is a dream destination," Gordon said Friday in his first public comments since signing with the Chiefs two weeks ago. "I knew nothing about the city. I just knew it was a good group of guys here. I heard nothing but great things about the camaraderie, the family-life environment. When I got here, I knew immediately this was a place that would look after me, take care of me, and I would reciprocate that back and just come in and do my job and make it easy on myself."
Gordon, who has been suspended by the NFL six times for violating the league's substance abuse policy, played for the Chiefs for the first time in last week's 38-20 loss to the Buffalo Bills. He caught one pass for 11 yards.
Coach Andy Reid suggested Gordon would have a bigger role in Sunday's game against Washington.
Gordon said the chance to play for Reid and with quarterback Patrick Mahomes sparked his interest.
"Coach Reid is a cool-under-the-collar type of guy, which I enjoy," Gordon said. "He doesn't really hold me to any high standard but to come in and be a professional and do my job. I'm very appreciative of the opportunity.
"The fact they showed interest was amazing to me, and I just want to make sure I give that back each and every day. Pat is a fired-up young guy that loves the game so much. He loves winning. He enjoys it so much. I don't think I've seen that from a younger player, but it's contagious."
The game against the Bills was Gordon's first in the NFL since 2019, when he was with the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks. He is 30 now, an advanced age for a top wide receiver, but Gordon has played in only 64 NFL games as a result of his multiple suspensions.
"Fortunately, I don't have the wear and tear on my body at this stage of my career," he said. "Hopefully I can play until I'm 37. I don't feel like there's a rush to do anything. I just want to be part of a great team and organization and play my role. I know I'm coming in late to the system. There are guys that have been here since training camp. I really want to come in and try to earn my position. Obviously, when I get those opportunities, I want to make a play for the team.
"Obviously, I don't feel like I'm 21 anymore, but I still definitely feel the same range, speed, jumping ability, quickness. I'm not like 10 (Tyreek Hill) out here or anything like that, but I know my ability. There's a level of confidence there."