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Charger rookie Cletis Gordon meets Ronnie Lott and Harris Barton

By David Fucillo

Hat tip to Kirk Reynolds via Yard Barker.

Cletis Gordon is a rookie defensive back with the San Diego Chargers.  Gordon went undrafted out of Jackson State and will be competing for a backup cornerback position with the chargers.  Gordon is one of several athletes (along with Greg Oden, John Lackey and Mike Conley, Jr.) who has created a blog with Yard Barker and Gordon has used it to get closer to his fans, as many athletes seem to be doing.

In his most recent entry, Gordon discusses a trip to the Bay Area in which he met Ronnie Lott and Harris Barton and was able to have a two-hour discussion with the two 49er greats.  Obviously he learned plenty about the game itself from Lott and Barton.  However, the part I enjoyed the most was how Lott and Barton emphasized the importance of off the field contributions:

Harris Barton and Ronnie Lott also talked about the importance of being active in the community and preparing for life after football. I mentioned my involvement with MADD and that I'm trying to reach out to the youth. Harris said it is more than just football. Players have to want to make a difference and interact with as many people as possible. They both stressed that the relationships players make early in their careers could be valuable to them over the long haul when football is over.

Cletis Gordon sounds like a smart guy.  Anybody who's willing to take the time to meet with past greats has to have a few things going for him.  I'm definitely going to keep an eye out for Gordon and see how his career progresses.  Definitely wish him the best going forward and hopefully he makes the Chargers squad.

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