2) Melvin attended the University of Wisconsin from 2011-2014 where he became a 2-time Big Ten Champion (2011, 2012), Doak Walker Award (Best running back in college football) Winner (2014), Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year (2014), All-American (2014), and First-Team All Big Ten (2014) performer. Gordon was also named a Heisman Finalist during his final season, finishing second in voting behind Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota.
3) Melvin Gordon attended Bradford High school in Kenosha, Wisconsin where he also starred in track and field. He was also a high school teammate of Trae Waynes, cornerback for the Minnesota Vikings.
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J: Who were some of your favorite football players growing up?
Melvin Gordon: LT (Ladainian Tomlinson) and Barry Sanders. I do watch guys like Demarco Murray now.
J's Follow Up: I like LT too and I even have his jersey in blue. Barry Sanders was a juke machine. He did spin moves and cuts and broke other players' ankles. I love to watch Melvin because he's like both of those guys.
D: What are your favorite fruits and vegetables?
Melvin Gordon: I like strawberries and peaches and for vegetables, broccoli and corn.
D's Follow Up: I like all of them. They all are good for you and they taste good. Strawberries and broccoli are my two favorites.
Melvin Gordon: I should have been but I also ran track.
Dad's Follow Up: I was actually serious when I asked this question. After seemingly rolling nothing but strikes and putting up 200+ games, it became obvious that Melvin spends a lot of time bowling. I think if he had known how much he loved to bowl back then, he probably would have been a bowler and been the best on the team.
On Friday night, July 20th, the boys had an incredible opportunity to take part in a free football camp hosted by Kenosha natives and NFL superstars, Melvin Gordon and Trae Waynes. The camp took place at their alma mater, Bradford High School in Kenosha, WI. I learned about the camp from ProStart Sports on Facebook and the boys were excited for an opportunity to meet two of their favorite NFL players and take part in three hours of football fun.
The camp was scheduled to begin at 6 pm on Friday night and we planned to head out to Kenosha at 4:30 pm to secure their spots in camp and grab some dinner. While waiting to leave home, Melvin posted on Facebook that he was heading to GRC (Guttormsen Recreation Center) to bowl before camp at 4 pm and he sent out an open invitation for anyone to join him. When you have an opportunity to go bowling with your hero that you cheer for on Sunday afternoons, you don't pass it up. So we didn't. Sure enough, we arrive at 4 pm and Melvin welcomes the boys to join in for bowling fun on his lane.
Jordan and Danny had the opportunity of a lifetime to bowl 2+ games with Melvin. Melvin was an INCREDIBLE bowler and clearly spends a great amount of time at the bowling alley during the offseason. He throws his ball with the spin of a professional, just barely missing the gutter and firing back at the pins with authority. Strike after strike after strike. Melvin even converted a nearly impossible 6-7 split which is even more difficult for a left hander. An hour of high fives, bowling, and eating pizza took place and we left the GRC with memories we will never forget. Melvin was even kind enough to sign J's jersey and their football cards.
The boys eventually made their way to camp, thanks to Aunt Jacquie who braved the rain and watched over the guys as they showed out to their new friend Melvin and Vikings superstar Trae Waynes. Jordan noted that players were allowed to pick their position group and he chose defensive back where he joined four other players and got nearly an hour of personalized instruction from Vikings defensive back and 2015 11th overall pick, Trae Waynes. Rain came pouring down near the end of camp, which sent campers and parents running. We eventually made our way back to camp and J got to say goodbye to his two new friends and the boys spent the car ride home sharing their unbelievable stories.
I can't thank Melvin enough for the opportunity to let the J and D bowl with him and give them memories that will last a lifetime. We hope that Melvin has another healthy and productive season in 2018 for the Chargers. We'll be cheering him on!
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