The NFL on Tuesday reinstated Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Isaiah Rodgers Sr. from his year-long suspension for violating the league’s policy on gambling.
Rodgers was with the Indianapolis Colts when he was suspended on June 29 last year but was released by the team later that day. He then signed with the Eagles last August.
Rodgers has three interceptions and 10 passes defensed over three seasons with the Colts, also serving as a kick and punt returner.
Earlier this year, Rodgers told ESPN’s John Barr that while bets were made from his account, they were made for others and not himself.
Rodgers said the wagers, including some smaller ones and a $1,000 prop bet, were placed from his online sports gambling account. He said they were made for people who lived in Florida, where online sports betting at that time remained illegal.
At the time of his suspension, ESPN’s David Purdum reported that Rodgers had placed more than 100 bets — including on Colts games — and most were in the $25 to $50 range. One wager, in particular, stood out: a $1,000 prop bet on the over/under on rushing yards by Colts running back Jonathan Taylor, which Rodgers won.
“That report is true, with it being $1,000, but that report wasn’t made from my device,” Rodgers told Barr. “The $25 to $50 bets are exactly true, but it was more crazy-leg parlays with just $25 trying to make a crazy amount. Just funny bets. Nothing too serious. It was never, ‘This bet here is going to change my life.'”
Last week, the NFL also reinstated five other players who were suspended last year for violating the gambling policy. All five players — defensive end Shaka Toney, defensive end Rashod Berry, wide receiver Quintez Cephus, safety C.J. Moore, and defensive end Demetrius Taylor are currently free agents.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter contributed to this report.