Gordon: Will keep fighting to stay Broncos top RB

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Denver Broncos working again Melvin Gordon III believes most individuals have already designated Javonte Williams because the group’s prime again, however Gordon mentioned Monday he is not prepared, or keen, to give up his probability on the job.

“I instructed [Broncos general manager George Paton] once I was on the [negotiating] desk, I am not going to put down, I am not going to put down,” Gordon mentioned. ” … I’ve all the time received that mindset that I’ve received to go get it yearly.

“I do know lots of people need me to take the backseat and I get it,” Gordon added. “It has been like that for some time, it was like that with the Chargers — everyone needed Austin [Ekeler] to begin. I simply come out right here and do my factor. Thanks for the motivation everyone, I admire y’all.”

Monday was the primary day of the Broncos’ obligatory minicamp, so it was additionally the primary time Gordon had practiced together with his teammates. Gordon has not attended any of the voluntary parts of the group’s offseason program, together with a voluntary minicamp the Broncos had final month — groups with new teaching staffs are allowed to have an additional minicamp of their offseason.

Gordon signed a one-year deal to return to the Broncos simply earlier than the NFL draft in April. He had mentioned when the 2021 season drew to an in depth he hoped to seek out doubtlessly an even bigger workload with one other group in free company.

Final season, Gordon and Williams every had 203 carries and Gordon led the group with 918 yards speeding to Williams’ 903 yards. Gordon battled hip, shoulder and thumb accidents down the stretch, however missed only one sport this previous season — the Broncos’ Week 13 loss to the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs.

And after ready it out over a month in free company, he opted to return to the Broncos, with Williams and fellow working again Mike Boone within the new teaching workers’s plans as nicely.

“I put my greatest foot ahead each time I am going on the market and see what occurs,” Gordon mentioned. “The aim is to make them need to play me … Me and [Williams] are going to do it. I do not know the way they are going to do the reps and all that … I do not care how outdated individuals assume I am getting, I really feel good. I have been sharing the ball since I received within the league, so that is nothing new.”

Williams, who had labored on the No. 1 again in a lot of the group’s on-field work up to now within the offseason, was the Broncos’ second-round choose within the 2021 draft and was named to the league’s All-Rookie group following the season.

Williams mentioned earlier this offseason he has constantly stored in contact with Gordon and that “if I’ve to separate carries, or if I am the starter, it would not matter. No matter it’s, I am simply making an attempt to win the Tremendous Bowl.”

Gordon mentioned he arrived again in Denver final week and did spend a while within the group’s facility, however didn’t take part in any of the on-field work earlier than Monday’s observe.

Gordon mentioned the Broncos’ commerce to amass quarterback Russell Wilson was “a game-changer” in his resolution to re-sign with the Broncos with none ensures about taking part in time. He additionally referred to as coach Nathaniel Hackett “a cool dude … he is actually modified the ambiance round right here.”

“We’re excited to place him in there and watch him roll,” Hackett mentioned Monday. ” … He is a spectacular working again, he is been an important working again on this league for a very long time and you may’t have too many working backs.”

Gordon has rushed for six,144 yards and 53 touchdowns and has 284 receptions for two,244 yards and 14 touchdowns in seven seasons.