Melvin Gordon admits 2019 contract holdout was tough on him

Denver Broncos running back Melvin Gordon wasn't exactly happy with how things went in 2019 with the Los Angeles Chargers. The Wisconsin product admitted that he probably ruined some relationships after holding out for a big-money deal last season. 

"It was tough, but I definitely felt that I ruined some relationships," he said during his introductory conference call, according to theScore's Alex Chippin. "It's all part of it. Obviously, you try your best to kind of put that aside and try and go out there and still give it your all. That's what I tried to do.

"At times it was definitely difficult. You kind of felt some tension. I kind of felt some tension walking around, but I just tried my best to try and keep a smile on my face and just show up to work every day. Like I said, it was difficult. It was challenging, but I got through. Obviously, I can't take back what I did. What's done is done. Now I'm here."

Gordon missed the first four games of the 2019 season while looking to be compensated similarly to fellow Pro Bowl RBs Le'Veon Bell and Todd Gurley. After not striking a deal, he then requested a trade, but nothing panned out. 

Gordon rejoined the Chargers in Week 5 and rushed for 612 yards with eight rushing touchdowns on the season.

He now wishes he didn't hold out for as long as he did because of the legacy he has built.

"I probably would come back (from the holdout) just because - more so because of my legacy and what I'm trying to do as a player, my mark that I'm trying to leave," Gordon said. 

"Obviously, those are games that I can't get back. Starting out slow and being able to catch stride towards the end of the season, but then it's too late. I would say it was more so for my legacy and what I can do for my career as a player more so than anything else."

The two-time Pro Bowler signed a two-year, $16 million deal with the Broncos in free agency after five seasons with the Chargers. Although he says he ruined some relationships in L.A., he'll be getting a fresh start in Denver.