Gordon admits holdout was tough: 'I ruined some relationships'

Denver Broncos running back Melvin Gordon expressed regret Friday while reflecting on his holdout last season with the Los Angeles Chargers.

"It was tough, but I definitely felt that I ruined some relationships," he said during his introductory conference call. "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 last year while involved in a contract dispute. He turned down a long-term deal worth around $10 million annually, demanding to be compensated similarly to Ezekiel Elliott, Todd Gurley, and Le'Veon Bell.

The Wisconsin product ultimately requested a trade but nothing materialized. He rushed for 612 yards and eight touchdowns, averaging 3.8 yards per carry, after rejoining the Chargers in Week 5.

"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," he responded when asked if he would do things differently in hindsight.

"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."

Gordon, a two-time Pro Bowler, signed a two-year, $16-million contract with the Broncos in free agency, leaving the Chargers after five seasons.