Tag: High Elevation

Broncos RB Melvin Gordon still adjusting to Denver’s mile-high elevation

Broncos running back Melvin Gordon is still adjusting to playing a mile above sea level.

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When running back Melvin Gordon played for the Chargers in Los Angeles, he was 285 feet above sea level. After signing with the Broncos this offseason, Gordon is now practicing at 5,280 feet above sea level.

Gordon is still adjusting to the big change in elevation.

“I feel like I’m a little winded with the altitude,” Gordon said after practice Sunday. “What I keep hearing is, when we play other places, we won’t get tired. I’m looking forward to that. Right now, it’s tough trying to finish downfield.”

Denver wide receiver Jerry Jeudy also initially struggled to adjust, tweeting “it’s so hard to breathe” earlier this summer. Jeudy and Gordon should be fully adjusted to the elevation change by Week 1.

“It’s dry out here, so I’m trying to drink water every second,” Gordon said. “My lips are dry. That’s the biggest adjustment. Working all offseason then coming here and feeling like you’re still not in shape because of the altitude.”

The Broncos will host the Titans on Monday Night Football in Week 1.

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Sam Martin excited to punt at high elevation with Broncos

Sam Martin will get to punt a mile above sea level at the Broncos’ stadium.

While with the Lions, Sam Martin punted indoors at 0.124 miles above sea level. With the Broncos, Martin will punt outdoors at one mile above sea level.

“Obviously, the thin air is going to rotate [the ball] easier,” Martin said during a conference call with reporters on March 31. “I’m pretty excited about that. It allows me to probably hit that Aussie style punt a little deeper back in the field. Then as far as kickoffs go as well, if that’s something that I’m asked to do, you get some more yards there.”

The higher elevation should help Martin’s punts but he probably won’t have to worry about kickoff duties. Martin handled kickoffs in Detroit but Denver kicker Brandon McManus has made it clear he will continue handling kickoffs for the Broncos.

Martin had an average of 45.3 yards per punt and a long of 62 yards with the Lions last season. With a career average of 46 yards per punt and a career long of 72 yards, Martin should have no problem booting punts in Denver.

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