The Longest Player Suspensions Handed Down in NFL History
Rules in the NFL may shift, but one thing never changes—when players cross a certain line, the league notices. Over the years, suspensions have ranged from headline-making scandals to off-field legal issues. Each case left its mark on how the league handles discipline moving forward. Here are ten of the most memorable suspensions in NFL history.
Michael Vick Missed Two Seasons for Dogfighting Involvement
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In 2007, quarterback Michael Vick was suspended indefinitely after his role in a dogfighting operation became public. He pleaded guilty and served 18 months in prison. The league kept him out for two full seasons, and by 2009, Vick returned, later signing with the Eagles.
Paul Hornung Lost the Entire 1963 Season Over Gambling
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Hall of Famer Paul Hornung was suspended in 1963 for betting on NFL games. Commissioner Pete Rozelle came down hard, banning both Hornung and Detroit Lions’ Alex Karras for the season. Hornung accepted the punishment without protest. The NFL didn’t soften its stance either, as Hornung sat out the whole year.
Myles Garrett’s Helmet Swing Earned an Indefinite Ban
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In a 2019 game between the Browns and Steelers, Cleveland defensive end Myles Garrett tore off quarterback Mason Rudolph’s helmet and made a scene. The league responded with an indefinite suspension the very next day. Garrett missed six games, including the rest of the season, and wasn’t reinstated until February 2020.
Repeated Drug Violations Derailed Josh Gordon’s Career
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Josh Gordon’s talent never seemed to outrun his suspensions. Between 2013 and 2021, the wide receiver was suspended six times for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. He missed the entire 2015 season and was suspended indefinitely multiple times. His career remained in limbo for nearly a decade.
Rae Carruth Was Banned After a Tragic Conspiracy
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Wide receiver Rae Carruth was suspended indefinitely in 1999 after he was charged with involvement in a plot that led to a tragic outcome for his pregnant girlfriend. The case became one of the most unsettling episodes in league history. Carruth was later convicted and sentenced to nearly 19 years in prison.
Calvin Ridley Sat Out a Season for Betting on NFL Games
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In 2022, the NFL suspended Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley for the entire season after he placed bets on league games while on personal leave. The wagers totaled just over $1,500, but the league cited its zero-tolerance stance on gambling.
Donte’ Stallworth Missed 2009 After a Fatal DUI Incident
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In March 2009, wide receiver Donte’ Stallworth struck a pedestrian while driving under the influence. He served 24 days, and the NFL suspended him for the full 2009 season. Stallworth returned in 2010 but never reached his previous level of performance.
Art Schlichter’s Gambling Addiction Cost Him His Career
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Drafted by the Colts in 1982, quarterback Art Schlichter was suspended for the 1983 season due to a severe gambling addiction. He lost nearly half a million dollars in bets before his rookie season even ended. Though he was reinstated in 1984, his NFL career was effectively over by then.
Vontaze Burfict Was Shut Down for Dangerous On-Field Hits
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Oakland Raiders linebacker Vontaze Burfict was suspended for the remainder of the 2019 season after a helmet-to-helmet hit on Colts tight end Jack Doyle. He had already been fined and suspended several times for similar hits. This particular penalty—12 games—became the league’s longest suspension for in-game conduct.
Plaxico Burress Served Time and Missed Two Seasons
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After accidentally harming himself in a New York nightclub in 2008, wide receiver Plaxico Burress faced legal trouble that led to a two-year sentence. The event eventually cost him the 2009 and 2010 seasons.