Melvin Gordon has had a pretty successful career in the NFL, and it’s because of his hard work that he’s enjoyed a solid run through four years at the professional level.

But before he became a star in the NFL, Gordon was a star at Wisconsin. And he credits his time in Madison for preparing him for his success at this level. He says the work ethic he learned while serving as a Badgers running back has helped him tremendously in his career with the Chargers.

“In the league, I realized early that you have to work hard, no matter what,” Gordon said, according to Wisconsin’s official Twitter account. “Nothing’s given to you. I’m able to push through a lot of stuff because I was trained to do it at Wisconsin. That’s how we do it.

“And that’s how you have to do it in the league. It’s easy when you’ve been doing it already.”

Gordon rushed for 4,915 yards and 45 touchdowns in his career at Wisconsin, which was highlighted by an incredible final season in Madison. In 2014, the explosive running back totaled 2,587 yards and 29 touchdowns in 14 games with the Badgers.

That success has translated to the NFL, where he’s been a solid ball carrier for the Chargers. In his first four years, Gordon has registered 3,628 yards and 28 touchdowns. He’s added 1,577 yards and 10 scores as a receiver.

Gordon is a two-time Pro Bowl selection.

But it all started in Madison, and that’s where Gordon credits his work ethic and desire to train hard. Those comments echo what linebacker T.J. Edwards told Big Ten Network earlier this week.

“I think just the fact that, to be successful at Wisconsin, you have to almost be a professional,” Edwards said in an interview on BTN. “You have to go by your work. You have to make sure you’re accountable and reliable, you have to handle all the little things.

“I think just all around we were taught to be professionals at handling our work and coming in and not trying to say too much or do too much, just getting our work done. I think a lot of us were successful doin that.”