The NFL reinstated Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Isaiah Rodgers Sr. from his year-long suspension for violating the league’s policy on gambling.

Isaiah Rodgers placed bets on Indianapolis Colts, wagered a $1,000 prop bet on Colts running back Jonathan Taylor

Rodgers was with the Indianapolis Colts when he was suspended on June 29, 2023. He was released by the team later that day. The UMass product then signed with the Eagles in August.

During an interview with ESPN’s John Barr earlier this year, Rodgers admitted that the wagers were made from his account, but they were made for others and not himself.

Rodgers said the wagers — the majority under $50 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 was illegal at the time.

“Just trying to help friends and family out, just knowing that it wasn’t legal at the time in Florida and it was in Indiana,” Rodgers told ESPN.

“At the end of the day I knew the rules, I wasn’t supposed to do it, and I got to take what comes with it,” Rodgers said.

According to ESPN’s David Purdum, Rodgers had placed more than 100 bets, with most in the $25 to $50 range. His $1,000 prop bet was placed on the over/under for rushing yards by Colts running back Jonathan Taylor. Rodgers won that one.

“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.'”

Philadelphia Eagles hope Rodgers can help boost the team’s secondary next NFL season

Rodgers, 26, was selected by the Colts at 211th overall in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. As a defensive back and kick and punt returner, he has played in 45 career games and recorded 90 total tackles, 10 passes defended, and three interceptions. 

The Eagles are expecting Rodgers to compete for a role in Vic Fangio’s defense and help strengthen a secondary that finished 31st in both passing yards (253 yards per game) and passing touchdowns (35) allowed in 2023.

“He’s a key part of our planning going forward,” Eagles CEO Jeffrey Lurie said at the league meetings last month. “It was a smart move by [general manager] Howie [Roseman] to acquire Isaiah.”

Philadelphia holds the 22nd pick in this week’s draft. The Eagles have been rumored to select a talented corner to work alongside the likes of Darius Slay, Bradley Roby, and James Bradberry.

Furthermore, the NFL also reinstated five other players last week who were suspended last year for violating the gambling policy. 

All five players — defensive end Shaka Toney, wide receiver Quintez Cephus, defensive end Rashod Berry, defensive end Demetrius Taylor, and safety C.J. Moore — are now free agents.