He was selected by the Cardinals in the sixth round of the 1958 NFL draft after playing college football at the University of Tennessee.
[5] Gordon was selected by the Chicago Cardinals in the sixth round, with 63rd overall pick, of the 1958 NFL draft.
[8] Gordon signed with the Houston Oilers of the American Football League (AFL) on September 14, 1960.
[8] He appeared in 13 games, starting 11, for the Oilers during the team's inaugural 1960 season, totaling three interceptions and one sack.
[6] He also started for the Oilers in the AFL's first-ever championship game, recording one interception for 27 yards and one sack in the 24—16 victory.