Report: Randy Gregory 'Hopeful' of a return in 2020

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A former second-round pick of the Dallas Cowboys made the headlines yesterday. The Report started to surface that Randy Gregory has once again filed for reinstatement to the NFL.

However, according to NFL Network’s Jane Slater, the talented defensive end told her he hasn’t sent in the proper paperwork to make that happen just yet.

“I’m hopeful of a return to football in 2020, but papers haven’t been filed yet,” Gregory told Slater.

His NFL journey has been a rocky one since he entered the league in 2015. After showing some promise his rookie year appearing in 12 games, Gregory was suspended for the first four games of the 2016 season when he failed a drug test that February. Just a few months later he failed a second test and got an additional 10 games added and checked himself into a treatment facility. He wouldn’t be eligible to return until December.

In November, however, Gregory failed another drug test and was starring at a year-long suspension added on to the 14 games he was already facing.

After missing the entire 2017 season Gregory was reinstated in July of 2018 on a conditional basis, allowing him to participate in team meetings and report to training camp, but not play in any games until the conditions were met. He would be fully reinstated a week later and had a surprisingly good year finishing second on the team with six sacks.

Another setback would occur in February of 2019, though, as Gregory was suspended indefinitely by the NFL for violating its substance-abuse policy and the terms of his conditional reinstatement. He did not play in 2019.

The new proposed CBA will have a much softer stance when it comes to punishment for marijuana which will definitely work in Gregory’s favor as he attempts to resume his playing career.

Gregory has only played in 28 games in five years and is just 27 years old. The Cowboys have been extremely supportive and understanding with Gregory as he’s battled his bipolar disorder. Hopefully, with continued support, Gregory can become the man he wants to be, which is the most important thing, then maximize his potential on the field.