Josh Gordon Calls Patriots Environment 'Tough,' Was Initially a 'Culture Shock'

New England Patriots wide receiver Josh Gordon told reporters after Sunday night's 33-3 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers that adjusting to New England's culture was a "tough" transition, per Michael Giardi of NFL Network:

"For me, initially, it was a culture shock. It was definitely different. But I think as I grew in this environment and got to observe other young men, grew to organize and act professionally—and expectations were high, and it wasn't anything more than what I think they knew that they could do, what was being asked of them—I knew it was all right, this is the way it's done here. I could get with it or look to transition somewhere else."

On the field, Gordon has gotten with it well. In 12 games with the Patriots over the past two seasons, he's caught 43 passes for 793 yards and four scores. In Week 1 this season, he nabbed three passes for 73 yards and a touchdown.

Off the field, Gordon has had his issues. He was suspended in December for violating the terms of a conditional reinstatement from a previous suspension under the league's substance-abuse policy but then reinstated by the NFL in August. It was his fourth suspension related to substance abuse during his NFL career. Previous bans cost him the entirety of the 2015 and 2016 seasons.

Gordon's comments are interesting within the context of Antonio Brown's joining the Patriots. Brown is fresh off a drama-fueled summer with the Oakland Raiders that ultimately led to his release, an outcome some people believe Brown wanted all along so he could sign with the Pats.

How the social media-obsessed Brown coexists with a no-nonsense organization like New England has become one of the most fascinating storylines of the season. If all works smoothly, pairing the future Hall of Fame receiver with the greatest quarterback in NFL history, Tom Brady, could be incredible.

But the Patriots don't need Brown to be a Super Bowl contender, much like they didn't need Gordon last season to win a title. If Brown doesn't buy in, he'll be gone before long.

"Antonio's got a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," former Patriots wideout Donte' Stallworth told Peter King of Pro Football Talk. "But when you get to New England, you have to accept being a cog in the wheel. I think if Antonio buys in, he's going to have a great year. If he doesn't, the experience will be over pretty quick."

Gordon seems to appreciate New England's operating style. It remains to be seen if Brown will as well.