Now that Josh Gordon is closing in on Wes Chandler's record for receiving yards per game, it's easy to forget the Cleveland Browns wide receiver was the subject of trade talksin October.
Seeing his name in the NFL's rumor mill was an unsettling experience for the second-year breakout star.
"I had to talk him off the ledge, so to speak, when they were talking about trading him," NFL Media's Michael Irvin revealed on Thursday's edition of the "M&M Podcast." "He was so hurt and crushed. I was like, 'Man, you are the only property of value.' But he said he wants to be in Cleveland and wants to win in Cleveland, so I respect that."
Gordon's desire to stay in Cleveland is welcome news to fans of the "Factory of Sadness."
It's not hyperbole to suggest that Gordon is enjoying one of the greatest seasons the Cleveland sports scene has ever experienced. His 127.3 receiver yards per game are over 40 more than Mac Speedie's current Browns record of 85.7, set 64 years ago.
For comparison's sake, Hall of Famer Jerry Rice averaged 115.5 yards in his best season. If not for a two-game suspension in September, Gordon would be on pace for the first 2,000-yard receiving season in NFL history.
Perhaps even more impressive, the 22-year-old is performing at the NFL's highest level with three different quarterbacks and no rushing attack to keep defenses honest. Gordon has ensured that his name no longer will be dangled in trade talks. Characterrisks and all, he's turned himself into an indispensable commodity for the Browns.
We preview "Thursday Night Football" and play another round of "Win Wess' Toaster" on the latest "Around The League Podcast." Listen in, won't you?
