How Melvin Gordon built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Melvin Gordon III is a professional football running back in the NFL. He gained prominence playing college football for the Wisconsin Badgers, where he received unanimous All-American recognition and won the Doak Walker Award in 2014. Gordon was subsequently drafted by the San Diego Chargers (now Los Angeles Chargers) in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft, selected as the 15th overall pick.
2011: Wisconsin Badgers
In 2011, Melvin Gordon began playing football for the Wisconsin Badgers.
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2011: Freshman Season
In 2011, as a freshman, Gordon played in three games for the Wisconsin Badgers, rushing 20 times for 98 yards and a touchdown before receiving a medical redshirt due to a groin injury.
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2012: 2012 Season
During the 2012 season, Gordon rushed 62 times for 621 yards and three touchdowns.
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2012: Behind Montee Ball and James White
In 2012, Gordon was behind Montee Ball and James White.
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2012: UTEP Game
In 2012, during the Badgers' third game against UTEP, Gordon had eight carries for 112 rushing yards and a touchdown.
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December 2013: Returning to Wisconsin
In December 2013, Gordon announced he would return to Wisconsin for his junior season to improve academically and help his team win the Big Ten championship.
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2013: Rose Bowl
During the 2013 Rose Bowl, Gordon had nine carries for 51 yards against Stanford.
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2014: NFL Combine Prep
After the end of the 2014 college football season, Gordon prepared for the NFL Combine at EXOS San Diego in Carlsbad based on his former Wisconsin teammate Jared Abbrederis's recommendation.
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2014: Wisconsin Badgers
In 2014, Melvin Gordon finished his college career playing football for the Wisconsin Badgers.
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May 15, 2015: Signed with Chargers
On May 15, 2015, Gordon signed a four-year, fully guaranteed contract for $10.66 million with the Chargers, including a $6 million signing bonus.
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September 13, 2015: First Career Start
On September 13, 2015, Gordon received his first career start against the Detroit Lions, finishing with 14 carries for 51 rushing yards.
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October 12, 2015: Week 5 Game vs Steelers
On October 12, 2015, Gordon had seven catches for a season-high 52 yards and also accounted for 42 yards on 15 carries in a 20-24 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 5.
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December 21, 2015: Injured Reserve
On December 21, 2015, Gordon was placed on season-ending injured reserve due to a knee injury sustained against the Dolphins.
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2015: NFL Combine
At the 2015 NFL Combine, Gordon initially set a record for the 60-yard shuttle with 11.0 seconds, though it was quickly surpassed.
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2015: NFL Draft
In 2015, Gordon waived his final year of college eligibility and entered the NFL Draft.
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2015: NFL Draft
In 2015, Melvin Gordon was selected by the San Diego Chargers in the first round of the NFL draft with the 15th overall pick.
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September 11, 2016: First Career Touchdowns
On September 11, 2016, Gordon scored his first two career rushing touchdowns in the season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs.
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September 11, 2017: Receiving Touchdown vs. Broncos
On September 11, 2017, Melvin Gordon returned from injury in the season opener against the Broncos on Monday Night Football, scoring a receiving touchdown in the 24–21 loss.
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May 2, 2018: Fifth-Year Option Picked Up
On May 2, 2018, the Chargers picked up the fifth-year option on Melvin Gordon's contract.
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July 13, 2019: Trade Demand and Training Camp Skip Threat
On July 13, 2019, Melvin Gordon informed the Chargers that he would demand a trade and skip training camp if he didn't receive a new contract.
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July 16, 2019: Gordon Expresses Desire to Stay with Chargers
On July 16, 2019, Melvin Gordon stated his desire to remain with the Chargers, acknowledging their role in his life and career.
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September 26, 2019: Gordon Reports to Team
On September 26, 2019, Melvin Gordon ended his holdout and reported to the Chargers, who received a roster exemption for him.
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March 26, 2020: Signed with the Broncos
On March 26, 2020, Melvin Gordon signed a two-year contract with the Denver Broncos.
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April 27, 2020: Signing with Broncos Becomes Official
On April 27, 2020, Melvin Gordon's signing with the Denver Broncos became official.
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April 27, 2022: Gordon Re-Signs with Broncos
On April 27, 2022, Melvin Gordon re-signed with the Broncos on a one-year deal.
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November 29, 2022: Signed to Chiefs' Practice Squad
On November 29, 2022, Melvin Gordon was signed to the Kansas City Chiefs' practice squad.
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February 12, 2023: Expiration of Practice Squad Contract
On February 12, 2023, Melvin Gordon's practice squad contract with the Kansas City Chiefs expired after the season.
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July 21, 2023: Signed with the Ravens
On July 21, 2023, Melvin Gordon signed a one-year contract with the Baltimore Ravens.
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August 29, 2023: Released and Re-signed to Practice Squad
On August 29, 2023, Melvin Gordon was released by the Baltimore Ravens but re-signed to their practice squad.
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January 17, 2024: Waived by the Ravens
On January 17, 2024, Melvin Gordon was waived by the Baltimore Ravens and later re-signed to their practice squad.
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