The Facts: On Thursday, reflecting back on his brief time in Denver, Gordon described 2020 as one of his most "difficult years" in the NFL. This was primarily a reference to the role he sought, the player he was attempting to replace, an off-field issue and the inability to connect with fans in sparsely populated or empty stadiums. "I am not going to lie. Just 'cause a lot of fans and a lot of people weren't too happy with me coming in and (Phillip Lindsay) wanting to get paid and everything like that. I was like, 'Look man, I had no parts in that.' I wanted to be here, and they wanted me to be here. It was tough, man, because I felt like a lot of people didn't accept me," said Gordon, talking for the first time this offseason.

Diehards Line: Gordon signed with the Broncos 13 months ago, and Broncos Country didn't quite know what to make of him. He made the Pro Bowl with the Chargers and averaged 50 receptions over the previous three seasons. However, the team already had a Pro Bowler in Lindsay. Still, after a slow start, Gordon averaged 4.98 yards per carry over the final eight games and led the Broncos with 10 touchdowns. But Gordon also faced an off-field issue as he was charged with a DUI and speeding on Oct. 14. He pleaded guilty to reckless driving and the DUI charges were dismissed by the Denver District Attorney due to evidentiary concerns on March 10. Gordon faced a three-game suspension by the NFL if convicted and the possibility the Broncos might move on from him. "Man, I was super relieved. I am not going to lie to you," Gordon said. While Gordon became the Broncos' most productive offensive player, he did not reach his goals. He fell short of 1,000 yards and believes at age 28, his best football remains ahead of him. Indeed, with Lindsay now in Houston, the job is Gordon's to seize control of and he has hopes of leading the league in rushing and getting to the playoffs again with the Broncos.