Back Where I Began

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Back Where I Began

2018-12-20T13:42:27+00:00July 22nd, 2014|

I’m excited about coming back to Utah.

I’m really happy that the Jazz believed in me, and were able to match the offer. It really means a lot to me because they didn’t have to do that, but they chose to.

Jazz Basketball Clinic for Guadalupe School

The Salt Lake City community has been a great place for me, and it’s definitely one of the reasons why it’s great to play in Utah. I grew up near Indianapolis, which is obviously a big sports town. Brownsburg, where I’m from, is really big on sports as well. Everybody went to all the high school games, and every Friday you’d go to the basketball or the football games. (Our baseball teams were really good as well.) Everyone was kind of sports crazy.

There are similarities in Salt Lake City, except here, it’s all about the Jazz. They’re pretty crazy about their basketball. The only time when you don’t hear about it is when Utah plays BYU in football, and then the state kind of shuts down. But other than that, it’s all Jazz.

The fans are tremendous as well. They’re cheering and supportive no matter what. We had a down year last year and they still showed up and got behind us. And when they do, Energy Solutions Arena is rocking. That just feels awesome. There’s really no way to describe the feeling when the crowd is behind you and you’re on a huge comeback, or you make a shot to win the game. Utah crowds are just tremendous.

We’re going to need that kind of energy going forward, and I know Jazz fans will bring it.

San Antonio Spurs v Utah Jazz

Away from the court, what I really like about the fans in Utah is that they’re really respectful of my time and privacy, and me as a person.

I actually had my yearly camp in Utah right in the middle of contract negotiations, and going into the camp, I had just signed the offer sheet with Charlotte. A lot of fans don’t necessarily understand how the contract situations work. I thought it would be kind of awkward to have kids and fans be there, and that maybe some people would want to leave, or be rude toward me.

But right when I got to Utah, I had somebody come up to me at the airport and say, “Hey, just wanted to let you know congratulations on the contract offer. Whether or not you stay, I’m just so happy for you.”

Not one person came up to me and said something bad.

CAMP HAYWARD

This was my second year doing a camp in Utah, and I’m glad to say that once again, it was a great success. We did it for two days, three hours each day, and had a little over 150 kids, from age six all the way to 17. It was a wide-range of skill levels and talent, which was really neat to see.

With all the kids, we worked on individual skills, and I showed them drills that they can do. I showed the older kids some more advanced stuff. But I also emphasized that basketball is a team game. I always tell them, “When I played Butler, we were definitely not the most talented team in the nation. But the reason why Butler went to two national championship games in a row was because we played like a team.”

To emphasize that philosophy, I tell all my campers, “I want to see everybody pass the ball, share the ball and get everybody involved, even if they’re not the best player.”

Jazz Basketball Clinic for Guadalupe School

I also try to make the kids understand that basketball is a game, and not everybody can be a professional. School is something that’s really important. I use myself as an example there, because even though I left college early, I’m still going back to school, and I’m still going to get my degree. It’s important to have that.

But I understand that while creating that awareness is important, I never want to discourage anyone from trying. So I follow up by telling them that anything is possible. Both of my parents are 5’10”, and no one thought that I would ever be a pro athlete. But anything is possible as long as you put your mind to it, and make some sacrifices.

I want them to dream big, and I go down that road with them a little bit.

The last thing I always tell them is to make sure that they have fun. Basketball is a game. It should be fun when you play. That’s what I want all the campers to take away from my camp.

The best part for me is just seeing the kids smile, and being able to walk around and give them a high-five. (I have to admit, I also enjoying blocking their shots off the backboard a couple times, and dunking on them every now and again.)

My wife actually was talking some smack, and said she was a better shooter than some of the rest of us. So one of the coaches pulled her out onto the court to see if she could walk the walk. She could not. She air-balled two or three shots, and her team lost.

That was pretty funny to see.

CREATING A LEGACY

Signing my contract to return to the Jazz was a big sigh of relief for me. There were so many people talking about it last year, when we didn’t get the extension done. It was all really up in the air. I didn’t really know where I’d end up.

Phoenix Suns  v Utah JazzIt also offers some security for my future. I think the average career length in the NBA is around four years, so this helps me surpass that. Barring injury, knock on wood, I’ll be in the NBA for at least seven to eight years. That alone is something pretty special for a kid who grew up in Indiana. I didn’t think I would ever be where I am right now in my career, but it’s really a good feeling to not only be in the NBA, but be at this level.

I think the commitment shows how much the Jazz believe in me, and what they think I mean to their franchise. That’s a really good feeling for me, knowing that they stand behind me. To be able to play there at least another three or four years and be one of their centerpieces is something I’m looking forward to.

I was told that they see me and Derrick Favors as two of the guys they can lean on, and build the franchise around. They appreciate that I do a lot of things for them, and I think they like the fact that, for both Favors and I, this will be our fifth year. We’re still improving, we’re still young players, but at the same time we have some experience.

The last month or so has been a whirlwind, and it’s all gone by incredibly fast with a lot of changes. I got married in May, and that will be one of the best days of my life, until have kids, regardless of basketball. Then with the free agency, there were all these things happening really quickly.

My wife and I were just wondering where we could start going house shopping. Now that we know, there will be fun times ahead, and we can start to live our life together. Then, on top of that, to be blessed with this contract — we were just really fortunate to have that all come together so quickly. I’m excited to get back to Utah and begin this season.

One thing that I really love about the Jazz is how they embrace the tradition of the franchise. They always have guys from their 90s teams come by and help us out. You see Karl Malone and John Stockton around the team a lot, and Jeff Hornacek too, before he got into coaching.

Everybody around the team knows the tradition, so there’s a legacy to uphold. I take a lot of pride in that every time I put on the jersey. You’ve got to take pride in your organization and your franchise. Utah is definitely one that’s easy to take pride in.

It’s the responsibility of myself and my teammates to not only uphold that tradition, but to add to the legacy. That’s easier to do when your franchise is committed to trying to win a championship.

Utah Jazz v Golden State Warriors

The quality of the organization starts at the top with the owners in the Miller Family, and trickles all the way down to the ball boys that they hire. Everyone is there for the players, and they’re happy to be there and happy to help. That’s really cool to see from an organization.

The franchise also treats you like family. Whenever I have family that comes in, they embrace them and treat them like they would treat me. Something like that is extremely important for me as a player. It shows that they really are there for me outside of what happens on the court. It’s one thing for them to be there and support you as a player, but it’s a completely different thing when your team supports you as a person.

When I got married a few months back, I think every single person from the Jazz either sent me a text, or sent us a congratulatory gift or a card.

That’s pretty special, and probably pretty rare.

61 Comments

  1. Mpond July 22, 2014 at 7:57 pm - Reply

    Glad to have you here Gordon. Can’t wait for an exciting season with all you guys and coach Q. Jazz nation!

  2. Matt R July 22, 2014 at 7:58 pm - Reply

    Glad to have you back. Congrats on the contract.

  3. Jacob W. Hackford July 22, 2014 at 8:05 pm - Reply

    Gordon,

    Thank you for this post. It shows that not only are you a great ball player, you are an amazing, grounded human-being. The die-hard fans realize that most, if not all, contract negotiations are between the organization and Mr. Bartelstein. Congratulations on the contract and I look forward to watching you play in a Jazz uniform for years to come. Its also neat to hear that you are continuing your off-court education. From one Comp-Sci major to another, if this basketball thing doesn’t work out, I’m sure there is a place for you in silicon valley, or right here in the silicon slopes.

  4. Cameron C July 22, 2014 at 8:25 pm - Reply

    Thanks for posting this Gordon! We are glad to have you back! Go Jazz!!!

  5. Justin July 22, 2014 at 8:31 pm - Reply

    First of all I have to admit I am a bit of Jazz nut when it comes to being a fan. To the point I watch summer league games more than once to watch individual performance. I love watching sports a playing even more. I just wanted say that true Jazz fans know the value and versatility you bring to the team. We know your a high character guy who makes everyone around you better. We are stoked that your in Utah and happy you got security for you and your family. As someone who just went through something similar to a much much much smaller scale 😉 obtaining that for your family is a huge relief. I just wanted to say we appreciate what your doing and keep working hard. I might even stop giving you shooting tips on twitter in the obscene view that I know what I’m talking about. Glad to have you back and looking forward to great things!!

  6. Angie July 22, 2014 at 8:41 pm - Reply

    This is so great. Thanks for posting something so personal without being asked or feeling obligated to. I’m really excited to have you back on the team and be a part of the community. Some things are bigger than basketball. With that said-go Jazz!

  7. Mike July 22, 2014 at 9:01 pm - Reply

    Great insight, thanks so much for that! It’s so nice to have a franchise centerpiece that is such a great unselfish player on the court and person off. It will make it that much better when you help bring us an nba championship! GO JAZZ!!!!!

  8. James Hansen July 22, 2014 at 9:02 pm - Reply

    Really happy to have you back, Gordon! I’ve loved watching you play every year and I’m excited to see you for the next 3-4 years (at least!). Congrats on getting married, too! It looks like you hit a homerun!

  9. Tony July 22, 2014 at 9:03 pm - Reply

    Thank you for writing this. Throughout this last season my wife and I watched nearly every game, and attended several in person. We were crossing our fingers that you’d be able to return to Utah next year. Our wish has been granted!

    We are grateful to have you as part of our community and hope you thrive both personally and professionally. All the best to you and your blushing bride! Hopefully we see some little Haywards running around causing trouble in the near future.

  10. Dave July 22, 2014 at 9:04 pm - Reply

    So glad the Jazz matched! I’m looking forward to watching the team grow over the next several years. Good luck!

  11. Chris Burningham July 22, 2014 at 9:13 pm - Reply

    Great post Gordon! Thanks for the honesty. I am glad to have you back with the Jazz! Good luck this year!

  12. Rambo July 22, 2014 at 9:14 pm - Reply

    Got your jersey last year even with all the contract talk, knowing you’d be a Jazzman for a long time. Thanks for keeping you and your awesome dad-calves around for a few more seasons!

    GG

  13. Raul Fernandez July 22, 2014 at 9:23 pm - Reply

    I am so happy that you will be a Jazz, at least, four more years. You are that kind of player that we want to represent our team. Thanks for the past years and we hope you will be a Jazz all your career.

  14. Jimmy July 22, 2014 at 9:32 pm - Reply

    Thanks Gordon, so excited to have you back!! I think the next few years are going to be really special, and you’re going to be part of building a future with the Jazz that someday other people will look back at and say, “The Jazz have a great history, with Stockton, Malone, Hornacek, Hayward, and others…” All the best and congratulations!

  15. Steve July 22, 2014 at 9:38 pm - Reply

    I hope you retire as a Jazz man! Be nice to see a Gordon Hayward statue in front of the arena someday. Dream Big!

    Congrads Mr. Newlywed!!

  16. Rich July 22, 2014 at 9:47 pm - Reply

    Nice article Gordon, and welcome back to the Jazz. I look forward to what you and the rest of the team can do in coach Snyder’s system. I think there was a lot of pressure put on you to be the number one option last year, and I’m sure part of that was what you put on yourself. I’m hoping that with the improved floor spacing you’ll get more room to operate and hit those shots you’ve hit earlier in your career. I’m really looking forward to this season, and good luck at FIBA!

  17. Jashin Mizuho July 22, 2014 at 10:12 pm - Reply

    This is an awesome blog message for us! As I read this blog, I can understand your thoughts and mind. You are a great person!

  18. Alan July 22, 2014 at 10:20 pm - Reply

    I’m glad you’re back and thanks for sharing.

  19. Dan July 22, 2014 at 10:22 pm - Reply

    It is great to have you back with the Jazz, and congratulations on the marriage. You’re worth every penny.

  20. Bryan H July 22, 2014 at 10:37 pm - Reply

    I also am very glad that we were both able and willing to resign you. It’s hard to think of the Jazz right now and not see you right in the middle of it. I feel and believe that you meant every word in that letter and am proud to have you on our team. Continue to work hard and help bring us back up to a dominant force in the west!

  21. NATE July 22, 2014 at 11:51 pm - Reply

    Fun to read, congrats and all that. You deserve it. Just one little request. Sometime during the season when Exum messes up a play, would you mind screaming at him and chucking a dead ball at him in front of everyone. It would really be fun to see, for old times sake. Thanks!

  22. Shirley July 23, 2014 at 1:07 am - Reply

    Gordon,
    It is awesome that you are back. I can’t wait for the new season. It might take some time but I think this is going to be a great team!

  23. Stephen Baker July 23, 2014 at 1:25 am - Reply

    Gordon, believe in your abilities, you have them and they are elite. The Jazz organization sees that and so do I. Now be a killer and win us some ball games! Shoot with confidence and pass with more. Coach Snyder is the perfect fit.

  24. Davie Yang July 23, 2014 at 1:55 am - Reply

    First and foremost, I’m glad to have you back! It’s gonna be great to see you in a Jazz jersey again this upcoming season.

    Awesome job with your blog again too! It’s always very interesting to see the NBA from a player’s perspective, especially with contract situations and such. Best of luck with your team USA camp coming up this summer! Regardless of the outcome, the experience itself is very valuable.

  25. Brandon July 23, 2014 at 2:18 am - Reply

    Welcome back G Time!

  26. Ethan Maudlin July 23, 2014 at 2:18 am - Reply

    Congratulations from Brownsburg. We are looking forward to following you for many more years. I am a 7th grade at West Middle School with a dream to play basketball in the NBA too. You inspire me and I thank you for that. Ethan.

  27. Michael July 23, 2014 at 2:46 am - Reply

    Congrats Gordon on the new contract. Your all-around game is something that is rare in the game today. I believe you are one of only maybe 5-6 players that go 16-5-5. Good luck and go help that Jazz return to the playoffs

  28. Cashrulzeverytingroundme July 23, 2014 at 3:11 am - Reply

    Hey Gordon first of all welcome back. I love your game especially the chase down blocks and aggressiveness going to the basket. Hope you guys have a great year and shock some people. I’m from L.A. but I’m going to make some road trips this year to see the Jazz play as much as possible. Definitely seeing all games against Clips and Lakes

  29. Debbie G July 23, 2014 at 4:24 am - Reply

    We are big Gordon Hayward fans. We are glad you stayed with the Jazz.

  30. Steven July 23, 2014 at 6:11 am - Reply

    It’s nice to hear what you are thinking about the situation. I think fans sometimes feel slighted when a player hates Utah or wants to go to a bigger market. It’s a struggle to get quality players to stay here long term. Glad you are still in Utah. I know you can lead the Jazz to great things in the near future.

  31. Julie Thompson July 23, 2014 at 6:38 am - Reply

    Haha!
    I loved this Gordon!
    You’re a great athlete and a great man!
    Super stoked we get you back!
    Have fun house hunting with your darling wife!
    See you at the games!

  32. Zilong Hua July 23, 2014 at 7:24 am - Reply

    I just spent an hour on translating this great blog to a Chinese fan forum. Just want to let you know, I am glad to see you back and have you as the most important piece in this young team. So are the Jazz fans in China!

  33. Jacob Turley July 23, 2014 at 1:53 pm - Reply

    I’m excited that you are back and I have no doubt you and this team will be surprising people for a long time to come!!

  34. Katie Whitbeck July 23, 2014 at 3:30 pm - Reply

    You’re such a stand-up guy. Thank you! Plus it’s always fun to see a little insight into a players life. SO glad you’re coming back!

  35. Todd Morgan July 23, 2014 at 4:13 pm - Reply

    Nice to see you are back Gordon. I think Jazz fans really appreciate their Star players. Stockton and Malone and Hornacek all had long, long careers with the Jazz…I think we all hope that you will be a LIFER for the Jazz bringing the all around game ala “Scottie Pippen” or even the AK47 or old. It seems reasonable that you could be a 20 - 5 - 5 guy for the Jazz…

    The Jazz need scoring as most of the new players are more “pass first” so Here’s to hoping that you can FILL IT UP next year!!!

  36. Alex July 23, 2014 at 4:13 pm - Reply

    So stoked you are coming back Hayward! The Jazz definitely made the right move in matching Charlotte’s offer. You bring an extraordinary blend of experience, promise and an all around game that is rare in the NBA. This post highlights the type of character your have as well. The Jazz are lucky to have you, and the next few seasons are going to be big steps forward.

  37. Joyce price July 23, 2014 at 11:44 pm - Reply

    So glad to know that you are going to be with us. Looking forward to this season and I am proud to be a long time season ticket holder. If you need help finding a house, let me know. Selling Real estate for the past 23 years is what enables me to have season tickets. I love what I do.

  38. Casey July 23, 2014 at 11:59 pm - Reply

    Congrats on the contract and happy to have you back! Your all around game is great to have. Thanks for the blog post and good luck! Hopefully you young guys can gel and get back to the playoffs soon!

  39. Sean Averett July 24, 2014 at 12:26 am - Reply

    Jazz fans love you just as much as you love them. When you go shopping for a house come find me. Best real estate agent. 🙂

  40. Ned July 24, 2014 at 12:49 am - Reply

    Gordon,

    I’m a die hard Jazz fan in Las Vegas. Congratulations on the new deal! Hope you never listen to negative fans and that you have a great career. We are happy to have you.

  41. Tony A. July 24, 2014 at 1:23 am - Reply

    Gordon,

    Every serious fan I know is glad to have you back. Prove the haters wrong! I think this year will be fun. Congratulations on the offer match by the Jazz, and have a fun (and injury-free) time in Vegas!

  42. Allie July 24, 2014 at 2:07 am - Reply

    Gordon - this post shows why you are a great fit in Utah. You are a down-to-earth, hard-working young man. In so many ways, you remind me of John Stockton. I have enjoyed watching you develop into the player you are today and look forward to watching that growth continue. Congrats on the contract and your marriage. Go Jazz!!

  43. Mason Nichols July 24, 2014 at 2:36 am - Reply

    Gordon,
    As Jazz fans, we love to get behind a player who values loyalty, tradition, and hard work over bright lights and night clubs. As long as you are doing everything you can to be the best Jazz Nation has your back. What more can we ask for from a player? Nothing really. “Gordon Hayward never looses, he just runs out of time.”

  44. Ray July 24, 2014 at 3:53 am - Reply

    Gordon, looking forward to seeing you and Favors take an active leadership role. Not only in words but certainly in action! Sounds like Quinn Snyder’s philosophy, offensive and especially defensive, should fit into your wheel well. Congratulations on your marriage!

  45. Jared July 24, 2014 at 4:13 am - Reply

    As a father to a young son who is pretty nuts about sports I love having professionals like Gordon on the Utah Jazz. The Olive Garden stuff, the Honda purchase, the Starcraft stuff, not being afraid to be yourself… that’s all awesome! I even love how you handled that bizarre Delonte West wet willie.

    We watch every game and attend several every year — and I love screaming myself hoarse for athletes with heart and class, ones who also bring big time hustle, fire and nasty. Looking forward to seeing your leadership growth and you and Derrick finding your way to genuinely bring DA NASTY.

  46. Casey Jensen July 24, 2014 at 5:00 am - Reply

    Gordon, I appreciate your post. Classic. Great to have you back. You are a humble man and I love that. I look forward to you leading this young Jazz team. You are an incredible passer and penetrator. I hope to see you play with a little more confidence this year. At times last year it seemed like you were a little too hard on yourself for missing your first few outside shots. We all know you can hit those shots, so keep believing. Drive to the hoop and get to the line if you miss your first two, but I don’t want to see that look of “defeat” on your face that I saw a few times last year. Keep believing brother. We all know how good you are, so keep your head up. Your young teammates will need you to stay positive. I was there when you dropped 37 against OKC last year. It’s okay if you don’t drop 37 every night because your game is so well-rounded. 16-5-6 is what most fans expect of you every night. You do that every night and this young team has a chance to be something special in a few years from now. Keep up the good work! So glad we matched the offer!

  47. Justin Swapp July 24, 2014 at 5:57 am - Reply

    G-Hayward - We’re so glad you’re back, man. We can’t wait to see you guys play this next season. Congrats on the contract! Utah loves you man.

  48. Michael July 24, 2014 at 6:02 am - Reply

    Hi Gordon,
    Great to read this post. With all due respect, I’m happy to hear your thoughts about being in Utah and with the Jazz because I was unsure if you really wanted to stay. I understand there’s the business side of things, though always good to know that someone’s heart is into it as well. One thing I’ve liked about the Jazz since I was a kid is that we’ve had dedicated, committed personnel, not just glamor and glitz. I’ve liked the team play, system and discipline. I’ve watched hundreds of Jazz games and gone to scores of them. I’ve been a fan of yours since watching you play live in the ESA during Butler’s tournament run and was happy the Jazz drafted you. I’m excited about the direction of the team with players and culture that’s forming with good leadership. Good draft for the Jazz with Hood and Exam. Anyway, congrats on your marriage and best in building your home and life together. May you and the team have a good season, and Go Jazz! Michael

  49. Manny Patino July 24, 2014 at 11:38 am - Reply

    I’m glad you enjoy your time in Utah. In school, I can see many people with your jersey on. They totally look up to you and you are a great role model and respectful. You are a true Utah Jazz player and I am excited that you have stayed. Better years are ahead.

  50. Mike July 24, 2014 at 1:07 pm - Reply

    Good to have you back. There’s a lot of work ahead and I know you’re up to the challenge.

  51. Mwchavo79 July 24, 2014 at 3:43 pm - Reply

    Thanks for sharing and letting us Jazz fans see into your heart. Every Jazz fan wants to eventually see a championship in Utah but as you know, we will always love our players that play hard and love us back in return. Anyways, thanks again for signing my 4 year-old son’s #20 Jersey. He wears it with pride every time. And I’m just glad I don’t have to tell him that you are playing on another team… That would have broken his heart. Good luck this year.

  52. Brandon McMullin July 24, 2014 at 4:10 pm - Reply

    Gordon,

    You have huge potential. I am excited to see this season as well as the seasons to come as this team grows together. I am going to go buy a brand new flat screen, couch, and surround sound for this upcoming Jazz year. It’s fun to watch with all the promising young talent (all stars in the making). Having you stay here in Utah keeps the group together and strong with yourself as the team leader. Keep up the hustle and go get em Gordon!

  53. Hal July 24, 2014 at 7:25 pm - Reply

    Mr. Hayward, Your comments and article imply you left….??? As a long time Jazz fan I want to hope you are bleeding Jazz blood not just after a contract. I want to think you care about me (us) as fans and realize we pay the dollars and bleed Jazz blood for fun and your support. I think the fans have a special interest in YOU and your talents to represent and carry our, your, and team name. Utah fans want just the very best you can give and this contract means that’s A LOT! I Think Utah fans are impressed with your character as much as your skills to represent the UTAH JAZZ! We want your best and a heartfelt commitment to decency, the fans and the team. You are a role model for the fans of the Jazz….kids and diehards! Please commit to the the Fans and people of Utah with vigor and action and Fans will Support and Love YOU! Karl and Stockton gave the town their all and got a Ton back and Utah Heroes! Though they bailed once they got the chance…ha ha. The Game, Utah, and the Jazz need your best and growing love of Utah and its Character. I personally would rather watch a hard played game by people of character than a bunch of misfit ego driven overpaid super stars. I or I don’t think Utah want to pay for or back a team of them. Ok now go give them Hell on Court and keep your nose clean. I am 62 yrs old so I listen to me….Ha Ha! GET ER DONE!!

  54. larry July 24, 2014 at 11:32 pm - Reply

    I’m a nutcase Jazz fan since early Stockton-to-Malone, Hot Rod Hundley days. What a great blog post from Hayward, obviously a guy who has his head screwed on right. From an old guy who still has a very busy work life, I will continue to watch at least 70-75 Jazz games every year, win or lose, as long as they have good guys like Hayward on the team. Really like all the moves Lindsay has made to improve the team this summer. Go Jazz. An organization with class, just like Gordon Hayward.

  55. Jojo July 24, 2014 at 11:43 pm - Reply

    Gordon,

    Thank you for the wonderful post! You are a true class act!! We are basketball crazy and we are thrilled that you are staying with the Jazz!! We go to most home games, wearing your jerseys (we have at least 6), and cheer so loud for you that on several different occasions, we have been asked by surrounding fans if we are your family!

    Congrats on your contract and congrats on your marriage!!

  56. Shake-n-Bake July 25, 2014 at 2:12 am - Reply

    So excited to have you back ! Been a Jazz fan my whole life! Now come play in Rucker Park and Dyckman!!

  57. Chester July 25, 2014 at 2:18 pm - Reply

    Utah Jazz!

  58. Joseph Adams July 25, 2014 at 8:36 pm - Reply

    So glad you are with us. New bride . . . new contract. . . all wonderful . . . you deserve it all. Now, give your all and make the USA world cup team, then come back here to SLC and help the young guys become all they can be, too. Tons of Jazz excitement ahead . . . can hardly wait for the season to start. Best wishes and continued success to you and y-o-u-r team, Joseph.

  59. Kathy Farrow July 26, 2014 at 6:52 pm - Reply

    Gordon,

    I think it’s players like you that see the big picture that Utah has to offer and the type of guy that Utah wants to hold on to. Brings back memories of the Golden Years with players who really wanted to stick around and play their hearts out. Thanks for the wonderful comments and I wish you the very best in all of your future endeavors!

  60. Ryan H. July 30, 2014 at 10:37 pm - Reply

    So glad to have you back! Can’t wait to continue to watch you develop!

  61. Trey October 18, 2014 at 1:39 am - Reply

    Hey Hayward! I recently read that you think that you are the best athlete to play League of Legends ever. Well, I am a high school athlete that thinks that he can best the great Gordon Hayward at LoL. Even though I am in high school, I still consider myself an athlete. What do ya say? How about a little one on one in League? My username is TheRedHotLemon, and I would like to challenge you to a LoL duel.

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