Former Green Bay Packers running back Samkon Gado has officially traded in his jersey for a lab coat.
The Liberty University grad and Nigerian native entered the NFL as an undrafted rookie in 2005, where he postponed his dream of going to medical school to play 5 seasons in the NFL.
Gado was called up from the Packers’ practice squad in 2005 and played behind then QB Brett Farve. During his first season he was named NFL Rookie of the Week and NFC Offensive Player of the Week.
Gado went on to play for the Houston Texans, Miami Dolphins, and St. Louis Rams. He retired in 2010. During his time in the NFL, Gado was a force to be reckoned with. He still holds the Packers’ record for most rushing yards in a game for a rookie, at 171.
At 5’10” and 227 lbs, his agility made him something of a secret weapon during his time in the NFL.
But after he retired in 2010, Gado still felt the need to give back. He attended medical school at the Medical University of South Carolina (Charleston) and graduated in 2015, then went on to the ultra-competitive otolaryngology program at St. Louis University. He’s set to graduate in 2 years and plans to move back to Nigeria to be an ear, nose and throat doctor, according to ESPN.
“Life is about winning the battle of attrition. It’s not about the one who is the most talented. It’s not about the one who is the most gifted. It’s the one who chooses to say, ‘I’m going to quit last,’” Gado said.
“I am standing on the shoulders of my grandfather and my father. I am reaping from fields that I did not sow. I take a look at all the things the Lord has allowed me to do, and I wonder, was it all for myself?” He said.
Lots of NFL players have struggles after getting out of the league. It’s nice to see a guy who has a concrete plan to help other people.