In a surprise move, Texans Coach Gary Kubiak announced the trade of Vernand Morency to the Green Bay Packers in exchange for last year's fantasy darling Samkon Gado. Pending both players passing their physical, the trade could be completed within the next two days.
Just who is Samkon Gado? Well for starters his name is pronounced SAM-kahn GAH-doh which translates to "Truth Inheritance" in Nigerian. After taking over for the injured Ahman Green and Najeh Davenport, Gado went on to become the truth for for the 2005 Packers rumbling for 582 yards and 6 touchdowns. Also, he wears number 35 in honor of his idol Christian Okoye and plans to become a doctor after his NFL career is over.
As much as we like anyone who idolizes "The Nigerian Nightmare," this latest move is a bit puzzling when considering Morency was our only homerun threat. While some may justify Morency's departure by pointing to his difficulties with the new blocking scheme, it's reported that Gado had the same problems in Green Bay. To add to the confusion is Kubiak's statement about our running back roster.
“It’s a good move for Vernand, (the Packers) are very interested in him, and it’s a good move for us, because we feel like it gives two big, banging-type backs, and then we have two younger, smaller backs in Wali (Lundy) and Chris (Taylor),” Kubiak said. “We like the way that evens out and we hope that it helps us.”
Gado is currently listed as being 5-11, 226lbs. Isn't that the same size as Chris Taylor who was just signed from the practice squad? Our only thought is that offensive coordinator and ex-Packers coach Mike Sherman wanted Gado, and thought he could get more out of Gado then Morency. Whatever happens, Sherman will have to find someone who can churn out those important yards, as the Texans' schedule doesn't get any easier as they face the pass happy Indianapolis Colts.
At the very least, Houston will be inheriting a high character player and it's much easier for us to imagine future Reliant crowds chanting Samkon then Vernand. Let's just hope it's sooner than later.
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I went to college in Wisconsin and there was definitely a great air of 'Samkon Fever'. He volunteered over the summer at a local hospital with only his boss knowing who he was. Rather than use his new found fame he spent the summer cleaning bed pans and the like. He may not be the biggest running threat in the NFL but he is an incredibly welcome character in Houston. Best of luck to Vernand, but I'm thrilled to be able to see Samkon play every Sunday again!
Agreed. I'm a firm believer that all teams need players like Samkon to off-set the Divas.
This is a really good move for Samkon too. Short of being traded to Minnesota (Mayo Clinic), Houston has some of the best medical facilities in the US (MD Anderson), not to mention the large Nigerian population in the city (due in no small part to the oil industry). This is such a win/win for the city and the team, its almost too good of a fit. Now if only the the O-Line could open a hole or two for him. Keep in mind, the O-Line in Green Bay was no better last year than the Texans line, he should put up similar numbers all season. Perhaps this is the start of a very long relationship between Samkon Gado and the city of Houston.