Broncos’ Running Back Melvin Gordon Says Playing For Chargers Has Prepared Him For Playing Without Fans

It is expected that for most, if not all, of the 2020 NFL season will be played without fans in the stands because of the coronavirus pandemic. This will surely be an adjustment for many NFL players, who are used to playing in front of 60,000-plus people each game. For some players, though, there will not be much of an adjustment.

While speaking with former NFL cornerback Marcus Cromartie, current Denver Broncos running back Melvin Gordon said that playing for the Los Angeles Chargers have prepared him for playing in front of no fans. “Bro, we didn’t have fans anyway,” said Gordon. “We didn’t have many Chargers fans at the game. I’m just going to be honest. We didn’t have many Chargers fans at the game. Much loyalty, love, but we didn’t have many. So I’m not missing anything.” The video was also posted to Cromartie’s Twitter.

Although taking a jab at his former team, Gordon is not wrong. For the last three seasons, the Chargers have ranked last in attendance amongst the NFL’s 32 teams. This is due to the fact that the Chargers were playing at Dignity Health Sports Park in Los Angeles, which is home to the MLS’ LA Galaxy, and can hold only 27,000 fans. For comparison, Soldier Fieldhas the smallest capacity amongst all 2020 NFL stadiums with a capacity of 61,500 people. 

The Chargers will be moving into the new SoFi Stadium along with the Los Angeles Rams once the 2020 season starts.