Jordan Addison’s legal troubles are finally behind him. After his DUI case was resolved in July, the NFL now had everything it needed to decide whether Addison would face disciplinary action when the 2025 season began, and the league made its decision.
Jordan Addison Set To Miss Multiple Games Due to Suspension
On Thursday, July 17, Addison pleaded guilty to a lesser offense, referred to by his attorney as “wet reckless.” That is legal slang for reckless driving while alcohol is involved. He will pay a standard fine and is required to complete two online courses, expecting his probation to be terminated after six months.
This decision followed Addison’s voluntary participation in MADD events and programs, according to his attorney, as he recognized the seriousness of his actions. With the legal process now concluded, the wide receiver finally got to know his fate.
The NFL ultimately decided to suspend Addison for the first three games of the 2025 season for violating the league’s policy against substances of abuse. He will miss the games against the Chicago Bears, Atlanta Falcons, and Cincinnati Bengals.
The league has a consistent track record of suspending players in DUI-related cases. San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Demarcus Robinson was also suspended three games for a similar situation.
The three-game suspension follows the precedent set by previous cases, such as that of safety Marcus Maye, who at the time was with the New Orleans Saints. He was suspended for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy after being charged with DUI in a car crash in Florida. The CBA spells out that players will be suspended three games for DUIs.
Maye received a three-game suspension, the same length expected for Robinson and Addison. The league has a history of enforcing disciplinary actions even after cases are resolved in civil rather than criminal court, as seen with quarterback Deshaun Watson in 2022, who was suspended for 11 games.
Addison has been a key contributor for the Vikings and plays a key role as Justin Jefferson’s complementary wideout. He had a strong 2024 campaign that included 875 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns over 15 games.
Jordan Addison.
My goodness.
📺: @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/aM1msezXyx
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 29, 2024
Addison’s absence is a significant setback for quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who’s set to start for the Vikings in his first real NFL action.
With Addison set to miss the first three games of the season, Minnesota has been actively looking to trade for a veteran wideout.
Carolina Panthers WR Adam Thielen’s name has been brought up by various sources, although it remains to be seen if a deal will get done.
Thielen, who spent nine seasons in Minnesota before signing with the Panthers, would be an impactful player for the Vikings. He already has a great relationship with Jefferson, and landing an experienced two-time Pro Bowler would be valuable for McCarthy.
Moreover, once Addison is back from his suspension, the Vikings would have one of the betterwide receiver trios in the league. The franchise is doing everything possible to make things easier for McCarthy, and now it’s up to the quarterback to make the most of it.
