Once you become an enemy with LA Chargers fans you are an enemy for life. Running back Melvin Gordon knows that all too well as he become one of the most despised former Chargers in recent history.
Gordon didn't become a villain just by leaving the Chargers for the rivaled Denver Broncos. He didn't become a villain for latching onto the Kansas City Chiefs to win a Super Bowl ring. Gordon became a villain for taking a potshot at Chargers fans after a failed contract negotiation with the team the year prior.
Heading into the 2020 season, Gordon said that Chargers home games prepared him for playing games with no fans. This comment enraged fans, making him a villain for life for many. Those fans don't want to see Gordon around the franchise at all moving forward.
Those fans also won't get their wish. Every year the NFL taps in former players to announce picks during the NFL Draft. This year, Gordon will be the one at the podium to announce the Chargers' second and third-round picks.
Melvin Gordon will announce Chargers' day two picks during 2025 NFL Draft
The former first-round pick will be working with his former team in some capacity for the first time since leaving in 2020. Gordon's NFL career has likely come to an end as he is starting the process of being an advocate for the league and his former teams.
Under the old Chargers regime this likely would have never happened. Gordon had pretty strenous contract negotiations with the team that resulted in a partial holdout. After that situation, and his comments, former GM Tom Telesco may have petitioned for someone else.
The current Chargers regime (outside of ownership) does not have the same baggage with Gordon that kept this from happening. In fact, Gordon's last stop in the NFL in 2023 was with the Baltimore Ravens, where GM Joe Hortiz was at the time.
It is going to be a legitimate shock to see Gordon at the podium with Chargers colors surrounding him. Fans never thought he would be associated with the team again and here he is just five years later announcing the names of the next generation of Chargers.