San Diego fans are understandably excited by the addition of Ronnie Hillman as the former San Diego State running back returns to America’s Finest City.
They aren't alone.
Melvin Gordon was at the Chargers Blood Drive, mingling with fans and supporting those donating when word came down that the Bolts added a new running back to the roster. His reaction was identical to fans as he's excited to add another playmaker at the position.
"I'm looking forward to having him here," he said. "He's been in this league for a few years, and he knows how to play this game. If he has any questions, I'm more than willing to help. We are a brotherhood here, and he is part of that brotherhood now. He adds some excitement to this team, and he's going to fit in well."
Gordon also had a message for his new teammate.
"Come in ready to work! We've got a six game season, and you can help us win some games. So come in, get ready to work and let's get it."
Time goes fast in the NFL, as it was only a year ago that Gordon was a new running back looking to hit the ground running. He relied on veterans like Danny Woodhead to help him acclimate to a new system and terminology. Now, Gordon looks forward to providing a support system for Hillman.
This isn't the first time number 28 has had to get a new running back up to speed. He provided similar support for Dexter McCluster when he was signed after Woodhead's season-ending injury in Week 2. The Bolts' bell-cow back has also been a sounding board for rookie Kenneth Farrow from the moment the undrafted running back joined the team over the summer.
However, Gordon may have to play an even bigger role in Hillman's crash course as he has only four days to prepare for the Houston Texans.
"This is how the league is. You have to soak in as much as you can. You have to learn from the guys ahead of you as much as you can, so when the new guys come in, even though he's been in the NFL, he will have questions on how things go and the way things work. I appreciated what Danny and Branden (Oliver) did for me, so that is how I approach it."
