Melvin Gordon
Who are you, and what do you do?
I’m Melvin Gordon – born and raised in Kenosha, WI. I didn’t grow up with much of anything, but enough to get by. I’ve always found myself working extra hard to get where I am today.
I started playing football at a very young age – 9 years old – and I currently play football for the University of Wisconsin – Badgers. I grew up playing football with my cousins and friends and it wasn’t until Sophomore year of high school that I realized this is what I wanted to do for a living. During that year I became more disciplined; I began working out a lot and getting bigger. I went to a football camp that summer and received recognition and a scholarship to play for the Badgers. I went on to Wisconsin and made history with single-season and single-game rushing records and I was runner-up for the Heisman Trophy. As of now I am pursuing my dreams by entering the 2015 NFL Draft.
What forms of media have influenced you the most?
My all-time favorite movie that has influenced me the most is The Pursuit of Happyness. The fact that he came from nothing and just wanted to give his kid everything really reminded me of my parents. For him to get out on top really shows where hard-work will get you…It’s a great example of how life works.
What is your favorite gear?
At Wisconsin we use Adidas and don’t get me wrong it’s good but I was given the opportunity to sign with Adidas, Under Armour, or Nike and I chose Nike. After testing it all I was the most comfortable in Nike…and I looked the best in it.
What is your favorite social network?
Facebook. You can stay in touch with all your family and friends, plus it has a lot of good videos and content that I love to laugh at. Vine is in a close second because of the funny videos but Facebook wins because it allows you to interact.
What would be your dream creative setup?
I have to be around guys with similar talent or better than me. You know guys like Ali and Mayweather used themselves to get better and liked to be alone to focus but I need someone else there to help challenge me. It gives me perspective if I feel I am going my hardest and then someone beats me, I know that I have to push a little extra. A setting where there is a lot of competition is key because it gives me that drive to excel. If I could set up a training compound somewhere it would be in L.A. because it has the nice weather, fast life, and big city feel. I was training in San Diego for a little while and it was a little too mellow for me – I need that fast paced life.
