Cameron Gordon’s NFL career came and went in the blink of an eye.
It may even be the most interesting career of someone you’ve never heard of.
Who else can claim to have won a Super Bowl ring with Tom Brady and the New England Patriots, to have been teammates with Travis Kelce on the Kansas City Chiefs, and to now be working as a member of the Michigan State Police?
Gordon can.
The linebacker and Detroit native played at the University of Michigan before going undrafted to the Patriots in 2014.
He signed a three-year, $1.5 million deal with New England in May after the draft, but was then placed on injured reserve in August, after injuring himself in the preseason.
Brady would lead the Patriots to one of the most improbable Super Bowl victories in Super Bowl XLIX over the Seattle Seahawks, 28-24.
And while Gordon didn’t play or participate at all that year, he was still a member of the roster, thus receiving a ring.
A ring that he can thank Malcolm Butler for, after Butler intercepted Russell Wilson’s pass at the goal line with 20 seconds remaining, giving the ball back to New England, securing the victory.
Butler’s interception remains one of the most iconic plays in Super Bowl history.
Before the start of the 2015 season, the Patriots released Gordon, who was then picked up by the Chiefs in early 2016.
There, he became teammates with Kelce, and played for head coach Andy Reid.
3
3
However, that too wasn’t for long, as the Chiefs released Gordon just four months later, in May.
From there, he tried out for a few different teams, but ultimately decided to hang up his helmet and turn it in for a badge in 2017.
Gordon enlisted with the Michigan State Police and began his new career from there.
“I came to the realization that I just wasn’t performing the way that I once was,” Gordon said in his State Troopers biography.
“So I said, ‘What is another career that will allow me to have an impact, have influence on younger kids and also leave behind a positive legacy?’
“Instantly, state trooper — law enforcement — jumped into my mind.”
NFL’s Greatest……
Ranking the top 10……
Gordon has been a state trooper since 2017.
In 2018, he wrote: “After graduating from the University of Michigan, I went on to play for the New England Patriots. This also was one of my childhood dreams. I can truly say hard work, dedication and determination pays off. I received a Super Bowl championship ring with the Patriots during my short, but sweet time there. After being with the Patriots, I went on to play for the Kansas City Chiefs, and then bounced around to other teams for tryouts. My time with the NFL ended because of various injuries and no stability.
“Currently, I’m in the beginning stages of a new career as a Michigan State Trooper, and it has been a blast thus far. During my time at the Training Academy I was tired physically and mentally, but I always said to myself if I stick it out and get through the tough times, I’ll make it through.
“Two months out of the academy, I have already begun to reach for the stars. Whether it’s building positive relationships with the community I serve, assisting local police departments or providing the hardworking citizens of Wayne County the safety they deserve.
“I became a Michigan State Trooper because it’s one of the most respected agencies in the United States. When I’m out on the road, I hear citizens thanking us every day for the work we do. It’s a privilege to be a Trooper. My goal in joining the MSP was to use my platform as a trooper to be a positive role model for my community and I am excited for what the future holds.
As much as Gordon can claim during his short time in the National Football League, he can’t say that he and superstar Patrick Mahomes ever shared a locker room.
Mahomes was drafted in the 2017 draft, but Gordon was well gone before then.
The former linebacker will just have to settle for a Super Bowl ring, and sharing a cup of coffee with Kelce.
NFL Stadium Status
