Career Timeline of Melvin Gordon: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 24, 2025

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.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2011: Wisconsin Badgers

In 2011, Melvin Gordon began playing football for the Wisconsin Badgers.

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.

2012: 2012 Season

During the 2012 season, Gordon rushed 62 times for 621 yards and three touchdowns.

2012: Behind Montee Ball and James White

In 2012, Gordon was behind Montee Ball and James White.

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.

2013: Rose Bowl

During the 2013 Rose Bowl, Gordon had nine carries for 51 yards against Stanford.

2013: Behind James White

In 2013, Gordon was behind James White.

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.

2014: Wisconsin Badgers

In 2014, Melvin Gordon finished his college career playing football for the Wisconsin Badgers.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.