The NFL has decided to reinstate Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Isaiah Rodgers Sr. following a lengthy suspension for violating the league’s gambling rules, according to an ESPN report.
Rodgers, who sat out the entire 2023 season, was suspended last June for wagering on NFL games from an online sportsbook. The 26-year-old, who signed with the Eagles two months later, claims the wagers placed from the sportsbook account in his name were made for friends and family in Florida, where online betting wasn’t authorized until December 2023.
The NFL’s gambling policy bans all wagering on league games and at team facilities.
Rodgers placed more than 100 wagers for other people with the average bet ranging between $25 and $50. The sixth round pick out of UMass also placed a $1,000 wager on the over/under rushing yards for Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor.
Rodgers is expected to compete for significant playing time for the Eagles this upcoming 2024 season after being reinstated by the NFL. The cornerback has 90 career combined tackles and three interceptions in 45 games played.
Rodgers joins other NFL players reinstated for gambling
Rodgers’ journey back to the NFL comes after the league reinstated five other eligible players earlier this week.
The NFL lifted the suspensions of defensive end Shaka Toney, wide receiver Quintez Cephus, defensive end Rashod Berry, safety C.J. Moore, and defensive end Demetrius Taylor, who are all free agents entering the upcoming season.
Berry and Rodgers were both suspended in 2023 as members of the Colts.
Denver Broncos defensive end Eyioma Uwazurike was also suspended by the NFL for allegedly wagering on league games in 2022. He can petition for reinstatement in July.
