Melvin Gordon's Success and Achievements in Timeline

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

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Melvin Gordon.

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

1954: Alan Ameche won Heisman Trophy

In 1954, Alan Ameche won the Heisman Trophy.

1988: Barry Sanders' Record

In 1988, Barry Sanders set the single-season rushing record of 2,628 yards.

1989: Anthony Thompson's Record

In 1989, Anthony Thompson held the 377-yard Big Ten Conference record, which was broken by Gordon in 2014.

1996: Ron Dayne's Record

In 1996, Ron Dayne held the 339-yard school record, which was broken by Gordon in 2014.

1999: Ron Dayne won Heisman Trophy

In 1999, Ron Dayne won the Heisman Trophy.

2002: Larry Johnson's Record

In 2002, Larry Johnson set the record for fastest 2,000 yards, accomplishing the feat on 251 carries.

2011: Montee Ball's Heisman Finish

In 2011, Montee Ball finished fourth in the Heisman Trophy voting.

November 2014: NCAA Record

In November 2014, Gordon briefly held the NCAA Division I FBS single-game rushing yards record with 408 yards against Nebraska.

2014: Heisman Trophy Contender

In 2014, Gordon was widely viewed as a Heisman Trophy contender.

2014: Doak Walker Award

In 2014, Melvin Gordon won the Doak Walker Award as the top college running back, also earning unanimous All-American honors playing for the Wisconsin Badgers.