Getting docked a suspension for a year or more is a tough hill to climb. It appears to be especially difficult when the cause for that suspension is substance abuse, and that is understandable.
After all, you are tasked not only with maintaining yourself through that year of isolation, it is also your responsibility, essentially, to reshape your lifestyle free of drugs, which for those who have serious enough problems to draw such a suspension is an integral part of your life.
The Pittsburgh Steelers would appear to have one of the few success stories on their roster in wide receiver Martavis Bryant, who served a suspension throughout the 2015 season for substance abuse.