NFL Suspends Justin Gilbert For One Year...Again

It looks like former Oklahoma State Cowboys cornerback Justin Gilbert won’t be taking the field for any NFL team next season.

The NFL announced earlier today that Gilbert has had his four game suspension increased to one year by commissioner Roger Goodell. It was just a few months ago the former No. 8 pick received a four-month suspension for violating the NFL’s Substances of Abuse policy.

Gilbert must now apply for reinstatement before he can possibly return to the NFL in 2018.

The former Cowboys was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft. Despite a lot of promise and a very successful run at Oklahoma State, Gilbert’s stint with the Browns was a disappointment and he was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2016. He appeared in 12 games, primarily playing as a special teamer, returning three kicks for 69 yards.

Gilbert was a free agent after being released by the Steelers back in February.

Gilbert’s maturity was called into question during his time in Cleveland, and former teammate Joe Thomas commented on his apparent lack of love for the game.

At Oklahoma State, Gilbert was considered one of the best defensive backs in the Big 12. For his career he totaled 182 tackles and 12 interceptions including two returned for touchdowns. He also had six kick-offs return TDs.

I’ll always remember him for this moment at Texas in 2013.

Despite all of the talent and promise during his time in Stillwater, it looks like Gilbert’s football career could be over unless he makes some major changes.

I hope it is not.