Had circumstances unfolded differently, Melvin Gordon might have had the opportunity to play for his hometown NFL team. The Green Bay Packers never got the chance to draft the Wisconsin Badgers running back in the 2015 NFL Draft, though he was a serious contender had he slipped further.

During this year’s NFL Draft held in Green Bay, Gordon recounted his pre-draft meeting with the Packers and the connection he felt with the organization. The Packers had informed him early on that they weren’t likely to draft him, knowing he would probably be selected before their turn.

Green Bay had the 30th pick in the draft after finishing the previous season with a 12-4 record and making it to the NFC Championship game. Gordon was picked 15th overall by the then-San Diego Chargers.

While he was certainly pleased to be chosen earlier in the first round (and the larger contract that accompanies it), he always thought it would have been special to join the Packers, the team he admired growing up in Kenosha.

The Packers did not select a running back in that draft, and they experienced a disappointing season from Eddy Lacy, signaling the start of the end of his tenure with the team. Gordon could have significantly bolstered the running game if given the chance, and it would have been enjoyable for all involved.