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Miami's Dion Jordan says he has learned from his mistakes and believes his football career is ready to take off. He just needs the green light to start practicing and playing again. Jordan, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2013 NFL draft, failed a drug test in December 2014 and was banned indefinitely.
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According to multiple reports, Jordan will apply for NFL reinstatement on Wednesday.
"I'm not about to waste it. I can't waste it. And I (expletive) love doing it," Jordan told USA Today. "Who doesn't love running out in front of 30,000-plus fans and you get that rush? But it's also things that you can get that rush from that can be very satisfying and can carry you on to a successful life after football.
"I just turned 26 years old, so life starts to hit you in the face. Who are you outside of those shoulder pads and helmet?" Jordan asked. "And it's weird, but I feel like it's a blessing for me at this point in time to think about it, instead of waiting 'til they really tell me I can't play football no more."
Jordan's agent said he thinks the NFL will reinstate his client. Jordan hasn't missed or failed a drug test since his ban began in April 2015.
Jordan told USA Today he "never, ever" struggled with drugs before turning pro, but that changed after his rookie year in 2013, when he did not live up to predraft hype and struggled recovering from shoulder surgery.
He said he has passed twice-weekly drug tests since his suspension began in early 2015, and that he hasn't taken drugs in more than two years. He says that, in November 2014, he provided a diluted sample after admittedly drinking excess water to flush alcohol from his system, without realizing he wasn't being tested for alcohol.
Jordan was suspended for six games in 2014 after positive tests for Ecstasy and marijuana.
If he is reinstated, Jordan will have an entirely new coaching staff that must decide what to do with the former Oregon Duck who is due to make nearly $1.7 million.
