Tag: Mile High

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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Broncos WR Jerry Jeudy on Denver’s elevation: ‘It’s so hard to breathe’

Broncos rookie wide receiver Jerry Jeudy says playing a mile above sea level “ain’t no joke.”

Playing a mile above sea level can serve as an advantage for the Broncos because their players have trained in and become accustomed to the elevation by the time the season arrives. Opposing teams can sometimes struggle to adjust quickly — and some players have to sit out for health reasons.

The high elevation only serves as an advantage when Denver’s players are used to it, though. Broncos rookie wide receiver Jerry Jeudy is still working on his sea-level fitness.

“Sheesh! It’s so hard to breathe up here,” Jeudy tweeted last Thursday. “I damn near passed out going up these stairs.”

In another tweet sent to Denver running back Melvin Gordon, Jeudy said the adjustment “ain’t no joke.” Jeudy and his rookie teammates are set to report for the start of training camp next week. Veterans will report in two weeks.

Once he adjusts to the elevation, Jeudy will be able to use it to his advantage. In the meantime, just going up stairs will continue to feel like a workout.

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