Jordan Addison Draws Suspension
Wide receiver Jordan Addison has been excellent on the field, but his two off-field incidents have caused some headaches over the past two years. Unlike the first time, Addison will be sidelined for some time because of the July 2024 matter.
Jordan Addison Draws Suspension
Addison, a Vikings’ WR in his third year, received a three-game suspension to start the upcoming season. That number is the standard DUI penalty and has been widely expected.
The Vikings announced on social media: “The NFL has announced WR Jordan Addison has been suspended without pay for the first three games of the 2025 regular season for violating the NFL’s Substances of Abuse Policy. Addison is permitted to participate in all training camp activities, including preseason games without restriction.”
The first three games of the J.J. McCarthy era will take place without the passer’s favorite training camp receiver. Those three contests are in Week 1 at Chicago, Week 2 versus Atlanta, and Week 3 versus Cincinnati. He’ll be back on the field when the Vikings head overseas for two weeks. His first contest on American soil will take place in Week 7 when the defending Super Bowl champs come to U.S. Bank Stadium.
ESPN’s Kevin Seifert wrote: “Addison pleaded no contest on July 17 to a lesser charge to resolve a 2024 DUI citation. The plea agreement — a charge of wet reckless driving on a highway — made him subject to NFL discipline, as it acknowledges the use of alcohol in a driving incident.”
In 2023, Addison was going 140 mph in a 55 mph zone.
“He agreed to pay a $390 fine and received 12 months of probation, which agent Tim Younger said could be cut in half if he completes two online courses,” Seifert added. “Addison, the Vikings’ first-round pick in 2023, was charged in July 2024 with driving under the influence of alcohol and driving with at least a .08% blood alcohol concentration after a West Los Angeles police officer found him asleep at the wheel of a white Rolls Royce that was blocking a lane of I-105 westbound near the Los Angeles airport (LAX).”
Addison was selected in the first round of the 2023 draft after helping Caleb Williams and Kenny Pickett become solid college signal-callers. His playmaking ability quickly translated to the NFL, and Addison became Justin Jefferson’s running mate in Kirk Cousins’ aerial attack, replacing Adam Thielen, who was cut that same offseason.
The 23-year-old was electric from the start, finishing the rookie year with 911 yards and ten touchdowns. His numbers dipped a little once Cousins suffered his season-ending injury, but he was still able to have a productive debut season. In a stretch that year, he even became Minnesota’s WR1 because Jefferson suffered a hamstring injury.
Last season, Addison was even better, nearly replicating his statistical milestones despite missing Weeks 2 and 3 (and most of Week 1) due to an ankle injury.
In his absence, the Vikings will rely on Jefferson and tight end T.J. Hockenson to be McCarthy’s primary pass-catchers. Jalen Nailor will slide into the starting role, and perhaps blocking tight end Josh Oliver will get some more reps. Depth players like rookie Tai Felton, Lucky Jackson, or Rondale Moore could suddenly be asked to play a role on offense.
Addison still has the option to appeal the suspension.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Pro Football Reference helped with this article.