The longest suspensions in NFL history have had significant impacts on both the league and the players involved. These suspensions often stem from serious violations of league policies, including substance abuse, personal conduct, and on-field behavior.
Some players have had their suspensions define their career, while others have bounced back off the field in their attempt to win back some of what they lost. These most notorious NFL players will always be remembered for the suspensions first, careers second.
Also Read: The Toughest Suspensions in Baseball History
Longest NFL Suspensions in History
1. Michael Vick – Indefinite suspension (2007-2009, reinstated in 2009)
Vick was suspended indefinitely in 2007 for his involvement in a dogfighting ring. He missed the entire 2007 and 2008 seasons before being reinstated in July 2009.
Impact on the NFL:
- Vick’s suspension for his involvement in a dogfighting ring was a major scandal that brought negative attention to the NFL. It highlighted issues of player conduct and the league’s response to criminal activities.
- The case led to increased scrutiny and stricter enforcement of the NFL’s personal conduct policy.
Impact on Vick:
- Vick served 23 months in prison, missing the 2007 and 2008 seasons, and incurred significant financial losses, including filing for bankruptcy.
- Upon his return, Vick worked to rehabilitate his image by collaborating with The Humane Society and advocating against animal cruelty.
- He made a successful comeback, winning the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award in 2010 and continuing to influence younger generations of players.
2. Vontaze Burfict – Remainder of 2019 season (12 games)
Burfict, an Oakland linebacker, was suspended for the remainder of the 2019 season (12 games) for repeated violations of the league’s player safety policies, including a helmet-to-helmet hit. This was the longest suspension ever for on-field actions.
Impact on the NFL:
- Burfict’s suspension for repeated violations of player safety policies, including a helmet-to-helmet hit, underscored the NFL’s commitment to player safety and the enforcement of rules designed to protect players from head injuries.
- It set a precedent for the length of suspensions related to on-field conduct, particularly concerning dangerous hits.
Impact on Burfict:
- The suspension effectively ended Burfict’s season and cast a shadow over his career, emphasizing his reputation for dangerous play.
- It served as a warning to other players about the consequences of repeated violations of safety rules.
3. Josh Brent – 10 games (2014)
Brent, a Dallas defensive tackle, was suspended for 10 games in 2014 for his role in a drunk driving incident that killed a teammate. He also served 180 days in jail.
Impact on the NFL:
- Brent’s suspension for his role in a drunk driving incident that resulted in the death of a teammate brought attention to the issue of substance abuse and driving under the influence among NFL players.
- It led to increased efforts by the league to address substance abuse and promote responsible behavior off the field.
Impact on Brent:
- Brent served 180 days in jail and faced significant personal and professional consequences, including a lengthy suspension and damage to his reputation.
4. Plaxico Burress – 2 years (2009-2010)
Burress was suspended for 2 years after accidentally shooting himself in the leg at a nightclub in 2008. He served nearly 2 years in prison.
Impact on the NFL:
- Burress’s suspension for accidentally shooting himself highlighted issues related to gun safety and the personal conduct of players.
- It prompted the NFL to reinforce its policies on player conduct and the legal responsibilities of its athletes.
Impact on Burress:
- Burress served nearly two years in prison, which significantly disrupted his career and personal life.
- His case served as a cautionary tale for other players regarding the importance of responsible behavior.
5. Donte’ Stallworth – Entire 2009 season
Stallworth was suspended for the entire 2009 season after killing a pedestrian while driving under the influence. He served 24 days in jail.
Impact on the NFL:
- Stallworth’s suspension for killing a pedestrian while driving under the influence brought further attention to the issue of DUI among players.
- It reinforced the NFL’s stance on severe penalties for actions that result in loss of life or serious injury.
Impact on Stallworth:
- Stallworth served 24 days in jail and faced a year-long suspension, which impacted his career and public image.
- His case contributed to ongoing discussions about player conduct and the consequences of irresponsible behavior.
6. Martavis Bryant – Indefinite suspension (2016-2019, reinstated in 2019)
Martavis Bryant was suspended indefinitely in 2016 for violating the substance abuse policy. He was conditionally reinstated in 2017 but suspended again in 2018 before being fully reinstated in 2019.
Impact on the NFL:
- Bryant’s suspension for violating the substance abuse policy highlighted the ongoing issue of drug use among players.
- It led to discussions about the effectiveness of the NFL’s substance abuse policy and the support systems in place for players struggling with addiction.
Impact on Bryant:
- Bryant’s career was significantly disrupted by his suspension, affecting his performance and opportunities in the league.
- His case underscored the challenges players face in overcoming substance abuse issues.
7. Aldon Smith – Suspended from 2015-2020
Smith was suspended in 2015 for violating the substance abuse policy. His suspension lasted until he was reinstated and signed by Dallas in 2020.
Impact on the NFL:
- Smith’s suspension for substance abuse violations and legal issues emphasized the need for comprehensive support and rehabilitation programs for players.
- It highlighted the league’s commitment to enforcing its policies on substance abuse and personal conduct.
Impact on Smith:
- Smith’s career was derailed by his suspension, and he struggled to return to the NFL.
- His case illustrated the long-term consequences of repeated violations and the importance of addressing underlying issues.
8. Ray Rice – 12 weeks (2014)
Rice was initially suspended 2 games in 2014 for domestic violence, but after video surfaced, he was suspended indefinitely (12 weeks of the season) before being reinstated but never signed.
Impact on the NFL:
- Rice’s suspension for domestic violence led to widespread criticism of the NFL’s handling of such cases and prompted changes to the league’s personal conduct policy.
- It increased awareness and advocacy for stronger measures against domestic violence.
Impact on Rice:
- Rice’s career effectively ended after the suspension, as no team signed him following his reinstatement.
- His case became a pivotal moment in the NFL’s approach to domestic violence.
9. Antonio Brown – 8 games (2020)
Brown was suspended 8 games in 2020 for violating the personal conduct policy, including sending threatening texts and a dispute with a moving company employee.
Impact on the NFL:
- Brown’s suspension for violating the personal conduct policy, including sending threatening texts and a dispute with a moving company employee, highlighted the league’s stance on off-field behavior.
- It reinforced the importance of maintaining professional conduct and the consequences of failing to do so.
Impact on Brown:
- Brown’s suspension affected his career and public image, leading to a period of instability and controversy.
- His case served as a reminder of the impact of personal conduct on professional opportunities.
10. Josh Gordon – 6 games (multiple suspensions)
Gordon has been suspended 6 times since 2013 for violating the substance abuse policy, including the entire 2015 season. Yes, six.
Impact on the NFL:
- Gordon’s repeated suspensions for violating the substance abuse policy highlighted the challenges the league faces in addressing drug use among players.
- It led to ongoing discussions about the effectiveness of the NFL’s substance abuse program and the need for better support systems.
Impact on Gordon:
- Gordon’s career has been significantly affected by his suspensions, with multiple interruptions and challenges in maintaining consistent performance.
- His case underscores the difficulties players face in overcoming substance abuse and the importance of comprehensive support and rehabilitation.
These suspensions have had far-reaching effects on the NFL, prompting changes in policies and increasing awareness of issues such as substance abuse, personal conduct, and player safety. For the players involved, the suspensions have often resulted in significant personal and professional consequences, serving as cautionary tales for others in the league.
