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- Melvin Gordon is used to people calling for his backup to out-touch him as a running back.
- That is the case again this summer as the Broncos look ahead to 2022.
- In the meantime, Gordon is set out to earn his carries and prove the haters wrong.
Despite the fact that Melvin Gordon III has had two-straight seasons with over 900 yards rushing, there is a lot of noise about his role in 2022. The 29-year-old split carries with rookie Javonte Williams last year. He also took a pay cut during the offseason.
As a result, there is a lot of buzz around Williams taking over the RB1 this fall. But Gordon says otherwise and recently put the NFL on notice.
The 2015 first round pick addressed reporters at minicamp this week said that he is not done yet. Not only that, but he thrives off of the doubt.
“I told (general manager) George (Paton) when I was at the table (to sign his new deal) I told him I’m not going to lay down,’’ Gordon said. “I know a lot of people are wanting me to take a backseat. I get it. It’s been like that for a while. It was like that when I was with the Chargers. Everyone wanted Austin (Ekeler) to start. I just come out here and do my thing. Thanks for the motivation, everybody. I appreciate ya all for the extra motivation. I need it.’’
At 6-foot-1, 215 pounds, Gordon is significantly taller than 5-foot-6(ish) Williams. In addition, he is currently No. 4 among active running backs with 6,144 career rushing yards behind only Mark Ingram, Derrick Henry and Ezekiel Elliott.
During practice on Monday, Gordon didn’t get as many reps as Williams but reportedly looked explosive in his minimal touches.
Melvin Gordon is out to earn his spot on the Broncos and is out to prove the haters wrong as Javonte Williams looms.
“The goal is to make them want to play me,’’ Gordon said. “I know we’re going to do our thing—me and ‘Vonte’ are going to do it. I don’t really know how we’re going to do the reps and things like that. The goal right now is to really master the playbook and let things play out. I’m definitely going to be ready to battle. That’s what it is. It’s going to make us better—it did last year. I’m going to continue to do that.
“I don’t care how old people think I’m getting. I feel good. I’ve been sharing the ball since I’ve gotten in the league with running backs, so this is nothing new. I’ve been battling for a while. I think Austin Ekeler is one hell of a back, and I had to battle with him and do the same thing. It’s just my luck, man. I just happen to be paired up with some great backs—fortunately and unfortunately, I would say.”
It will be interesting to see how first-year head coach Nathaniel Hackett chooses to split carries between Gordon and Williams. No matter how things shake out, Gordon is insistent that he is not done yet.