Melvin Gordon III showed “refreshing honesty” about 2020 RB battle

Melvin Gordon III came to Denver last year and was immediately the odd man out when it came to support from Broncos Country. Phillip Lindsay was coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and was the hometown hero.

Gordon recently admitted that last year, the battle with Lindsay for the starting running back spot “was in his head.” We always claim we want our athletes to be honest, but whenever they are, we rip them to shreds.

Gordon admitting he was distracted by all the noise surrounding his battle with Lindsay is not a sign of weakness but refreshing honesty. I don’t want players to go up to the podium and repeat talking points preached by the front office. I want them to tell us what they’re feeling and thinking.

These athletes are human; sometimes we forget that. It’s a good thing when they tell us their truths.

Now, Gordon still needs to go out there and perform at a high level. It’s good he told us what is going on in his head, but it’s still a competition-based sport where no one is safe. Javonte Williams is not going to let up, so Gordon has a young, hungry running back vying for his job.

Gordon letting us see a more human side to him is a great thing, and if he is able to stay the Broncos starting running back for 2021, more power to him.