Melvin Gordon III is ready to battle in camp to remain the top running back for the Denver Broncos.

He believes most people have already designated Javonte Williams as the team's top rusher.

"I told [Broncos general manager George Paton] when I was at the [negotiating] table, I'm not going to lay down, I'm not going to lay down," Gordon said. " ... I've always got that mindset that I've got to go get it every year.

"I know a lot of people want me to take the backseat and I get it," Gordon added. "It's been like that for a while, it was like that with the Chargers -- everybody wanted Austin [Ekeler] to start. I just come out here and do my thing. Thanks for the motivation everybody, I appreciate y'all."

Gordon signed a one-year deal to return to the Broncos just before the draft in April. He had said when the 2021 season ended that he hoped to find a bigger workload with another team in free agency.

Last season, Gordon and Williams each had 203 carries and Gordon led the team with 918 yards rushing to Williams' 903 yards.