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Patrick Mahomes’ Ex-teammate, Who Won the Super Bowl Without Taking the Field, Pours His Heart on NFL’s Worst Position

Published 06/24/2023, 5:00 PM EDT

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The NFL has plenty of talented running backs looking for a new home this summer, but they might not get the offers they deserve. Ezekiel Elliott, Dalvin Cook, Kareem Hunt, and Leonard Fournette are among the veterans who are still on the market, while other positions have seen their salaries rise. Patrick Mahomes‘ ex-teammate knows how tough it is to find a team that values his skills.

Melvin Gordon III was part of the Chiefs’ Super Bowl-winning squad in February 2023, but he never got to play for them. He got a ring, but Gordon didn’t get to touch the ball. Similarly, another young Najee Harris, the Steelers‘ star running back, was shocked when he heard that the Vikings released Dalvin Cook, one of the best in the league. Recently, Najee said it was another sign of how the NFL treats running backs unfairly after three other top players were stuck with the franchise tag and couldn’t explore free agency. Gordon can relate to Harris’ frustration and worry about the running back position.

Another running back lacking opportunity

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Running backs are having a hard time finding a place in the NFL, and Melvin Gordon III is feeling the frustration. He told ‘The Jim Rome Show’ that his position is “literally the worst” in the league and that he gets “no love” from the teams. He said he still wants to play and has some gas left in the tank, but he needs the right situation. Gordon, 29, was cut by the Broncos in November and joined the Chiefs’ practice squad.

Now he is a free agent again, looking for a team that values his skills. Gordon was a star for the Chargers from 2015 to 2019 and a solid contributor for the Broncos from 2020 to 2022. He also praised his former teammate Russell Wilson, who was traded to the Broncos in 2022, and said he has an “MVP season” in him.

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Melvin Gordon III speaks out loud

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Gordon is not giving up on his NFL dreams. He said that he knows what he can do on the field and he is ready to show it. He is waiting for a chance to join a training camp and prove himself. According to Gordon, he has learned from past errors and knows what needs to improve. Gordon blamed Todd Gurley’s big contract and Sean McVay’s subsequent change of heart for the decline of running backs’ value in the league.

“In my opinion, I think after Todd (Gurley) got paid and then (Rams coach) Sean McVay came out and said, ‘I will never pay a running back again; I’ll just use them and rotate them out,’ I think after that statement was made — and then I think they won the Super Bowl — it was like everybody just followed suit,” per Gordon statement.

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After the Rams emerged victorious in the Super Bowl with Gurley on their roster, Gordon observed a significant shift in how teams approached compensating running backs. He mentioned that numerous teams began to adopt the Rams’ strategy of not paying running backs generously. Despite the mental challenges of training without a team, Gordon has actively sought support from fellow players who have faced similar situations. He emphasized that he is actively listening to their advice and employing their guidance to navigate through this difficult period.

WATCH THIS STORY – 2X Super Bowl Champion Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs Set the White House Ablaze With Their Epic Grizzlies Dance Performance.

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Written by:

Mohammad Asif Ansari

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Mohammad Asif Ansari is an NFL writer at EssentiallySports, with a passion for bringing sports news to life through engaging content. As an ardent sports fan, Ansari likes to cover core sports angles. His latest article, “Dallas Cowboys Reportedly Making It Difficult for Aaron Rodgers to Pursue His Dream Team” got a hoard of interested sports readers.
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Edited by:

Hitesh Nigam