Fare Thee Well, Steve Slaton: 2008 Was Special

by Tim on Sep 27, 2011 10:44 PM CDT in News

As Rivers FanShotted earlier today (that's right...I made FanShot a verb), Steve Slaton is no longer a member of your Houston Texans. While this is a moment that the vast majority of the fan base thought was long overdue, I found myself surprisingly nostalgic when I heard the news. As Slaton was totally ineffective from 2009 to 2011, the only explanation for the onset of this odd feeling was how amazing Slaton's rookie campaign in 2008 truly was.

Take a look at Slaton's game log from 2008. Quick summary:

-268 carries.
-1,282 rushing yards (good for 6th most in the NFL).
-4.78 yards per carry (thanks in no small part to a 14 carry/156 yard effort against the Colts).
-9 rushing TDs.
-50 receptions.
-377 receiving yards.
-1 receiving TD.

That's a helluva season by any standard. It's especially impressive when you consider that Slaton was a rookie who was drafted and thought to be, at the time, a third-down back. Watching Slaton that year, I remember thinking that the Texans had their RB for the next three to five years. Alas, it was not to be. Steve Slaton got hurt, had surgery on his cervical spine, and was never the same player. 2008 became a memory he wouldn't even sniff again.

Two final, tangential points before The Steve Slaton Era in Houston truly expires:

1. Compare Slaton's excellent 2008 season with what Arian Foster did in 2010. It's a nice reminder of how otherworldly and exceedingly rare Foster's 2010 campaign was. It also probably gives you a new longing for Foster's return.

2. Remember how Slaton fell off the map every time people talk about how a team needs to lock a running back up after a successful season. Say what you will about Smithiak, but it would have been very easy (and applauded at the time) for them to have signed Slaton to a reworked, reasonably high guaranteed dollar deal after his rookie year. They wisely didn't do it (which Slaton could have made an issue, had he held out before the 2009 season in an attempt to better his lot), and that's deserving of recognition.

Makes you wonder how much, if any, Slaton's career path influenced the Texans' handling of Arian Foster after his phenomenal season last year, doesn't it?

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I get the sense many here absolutey hate Slaton

for me though it’s disappointing and unfortunate he couldn’t build off his rookie year.

He was playing at West Virginia around the time I really started to follow the NFL and College Football. He was one of the first players I really liked to watch and was really happy the Texans ended up drafting him. Things were definitely looking up until that neck injury. The effect it had on his career seems to have been devastating ( as well as him trying to add more weight after his rookie year).

The best thing I remember from his 2008 campaign was that he was the only RB in the NFL to put up a 100+ rushing yards on the Titans and he did it twice.

Prediction: 11-5 AFC South champions.

by Ethan Matz on Sep 27, 2011 10:57 PM CDT reply actions 2 recs

Yeah there seems to be a lot of Slaton hate

People act like he’s Travis Johnson or EWWWWW. He might not be getting it done on the field, but its not like we’re relying on him heavily like Tate. I hope he gets signed somewhere else and does well.

by WhiskeyR on Sep 28, 2011 8:52 AM CDT up reply actions

Some of us like Slaton

We just hate to see him on the field.

That is just my perspective. I hope he can find a way to be productive some place.

Mario Williams will have 4 sacks and 1 int by Game 4 of the regular season.

by Barryfromtexas on Sep 28, 2011 9:21 AM CDT up reply actions 5 recs

TRUTH

I'm a man!! I'm forty!!

by Hydroshock on Sep 28, 2011 9:38 AM CDT up reply actions

I remember

One game against the colts as schaub was under center, right before the ball was snapped I looked at my friend and was like slaton to the house. Sure enough he broke it like 69 yards or something awwww fond memories. I was rooting for Slaton he just never got back to form. I wish him well and hope that his career gets back on track. Just in the nfc.

get it while the gettins good!!!

by JLeeNino on Sep 27, 2011 11:04 PM CDT via mobile reply actions

I think it is a tragedy for sure.

What a heartbreaking way for a career to end after just a single great season.

by MeMongo on Sep 28, 2011 12:40 AM CDT reply actions

At first I was nostalgic, then I remembered

The new guy knows how to run.

Two hands Steve.

I'm a household name... at my house.

Michael Vick is the best throwing running back of all time.

My put your name on it prediction for the Housotn Texans.
10-6, with a first round playoff upset over either the Ravens or Steelers.

by taylorrohrman on Sep 28, 2011 1:23 AM CDT reply actions

I've never hated Slaton.

His play has frustrated me at times (the fumbles), but the rest seems a product of an injury that rarely sees a return to form when a players suffers it. (I’m no doctor, but isn’t Slaton’s similar to what Peyton Manning has undergone?)

Anyhow, I’m sorry Steve Slaton seems a shell of the player we saw in 2008 and that he never got the big payday. Here’s hoping his problem is more a crisis of confidence and not injury, and he’ll catch on with another team and do well against everyone but us.

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by Xiane on Sep 28, 2011 1:28 AM CDT reply actions

This ^^^^

I was wondering that exact thing.

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by Christopher H on Sep 28, 2011 2:47 AM CDT up reply actions

Farewell Steve

While I stuck up for you quite often, I am glad this happened now. The Texans gave you plenty of chances to earn your job back and regardless of the reasons, this is what is best for the team. I hope if this is an injury problem, you can recover from it and find a place on another team.

Good luck Mr. Slaton.

by SubCrim on Sep 28, 2011 2:38 AM CDT reply actions

It's worth remembering...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmNfcyy3NXo

This guy could play. He was amazing that first season. I always liked him, wish he could’ve continued with his success. Good luck, Stevie. If you play us, make sure you’re returning kicks.

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by SlatonShuffle on Sep 28, 2011 2:45 AM CDT reply actions

Awesome video...

…too bad the only thing I see consistently is when he’s running through all of those defenders he’s only got the ball in one hand! Freaks me out every time! Still a great video though.

You cannot imagine the immensity of f**k I do not give.

by CowboyH8ter on Sep 28, 2011 10:46 AM CDT up reply actions

Yep, good luck Slaton. Thanks for the good times.

by SuperSerial on Sep 28, 2011 4:25 AM CDT reply actions

I'll never forget his game against the Tits

The year they were like 13-3 or whatever. Slaton was huge in that game, running for a few first downs that iced it for us. I remember one run where he ran into the pyle and it looked like he was down when he somehow levitated off the ground and got the first down marker.

So thanks for all that Steve. I wish you luck in the rest of your career and life.

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by tehGrindCrusher on Sep 28, 2011 5:09 AM CDT reply actions 2 recs

It's at the 2:00 mark in the video that Slaton Shuffle posted.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmNfcyy3NXo

Unreal run.

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by tehGrindCrusher on Sep 28, 2011 5:18 AM CDT up reply actions

that is absolutely the run I think of

when I think of Slaton.

Watch me all in flames, on a butterfly I ride

by nolander on Sep 28, 2011 10:27 AM CDT up reply actions

Good luck, Steve!

I remember too being impressed at his ability to run through tackles, especially at his size.

What Slaton did in 2008 is more impressive too when you remember that he wasn’t even the starter at the beginning of the year, and he missed a game due to “tired legs”. He was indeed a bright spot on the team that year.

by JBal on Sep 28, 2011 7:08 AM CDT via mobile reply actions

yeah

Yeah good luck to Steve I hope he has another shot somewhere because he was so good that first year.

get it while the gettins good!!!

by JLeeNino on Sep 28, 2011 7:28 AM CDT via mobile reply actions

Nothing but love for Steve

I think it’s sad because I blame the injury completely for his drop off. He was amazing for that one year.

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I got too much to think about

by papabear on Sep 28, 2011 9:09 AM CDT reply actions

I guess this means my sig is no longer valid.

What can I do with an old useless jersey?

David Carr and Okoye jersey owners?

I got another year out of my Steve Slaton jersey...wahoo!

by schillingb on Sep 28, 2011 9:16 AM CDT via iPhone app reply actions

Carr Jersey owners took off the name and changed it :)

Mario Williams will have 4 sacks and 1 int by Game 4 of the regular season.

by Barryfromtexas on Sep 28, 2011 9:24 AM CDT up reply actions

or just taped over it with "schaub" like me

I need an old eugene wilson jersey to make into a brandon harris jersey if anyone wants to donate one to me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ( or if anyone actually HAS an ewwww jersey)

@THEREALALLENOU on twitter - "The man, the verb, the legend" OU'd

by AllenOU on Sep 28, 2011 10:03 AM CDT up reply actions

Why would anyone have had one of those?

Mario Williams will have 4 sacks and 1 int by Game 4 of the regular season.

by Barryfromtexas on Sep 28, 2011 10:07 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

Tim is collecting old Okoye jerseys

and making a quilt out of them

by Vega on Sep 28, 2011 9:37 AM CDT up reply actions

he wants to sleep in

it like buffalo bill does people skin.

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by Taco Joe on Sep 28, 2011 10:12 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

It puts the lotion on it's skin...

"Fanaticism consists in redoubling your efforts when you have forgotten your aim." - George Santayana

by DilloTex on Sep 28, 2011 11:00 AM CDT up reply actions

Watch me all in flames, on a butterfly I ride

by nolander on Sep 28, 2011 10:26 AM CDT reply actions

/Sorry he couldn't come back...

/Grateful for the one good season…
/Unable to get over the 1 yard kickoff return… to the 1…

"Fanaticism consists in redoubling your efforts when you have forgotten your aim." - George Santayana

by DilloTex on Sep 28, 2011 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

My sentiments exactly

I'm a man!! I'm forty!!

by Hydroshock on Sep 28, 2011 12:32 PM CDT up reply actions

I'm over it

I was over it the moment we won the game, and I got to witness it live! Only time I’ll ever get to see Slaton in a Texans uniform live I guess :(

Watch me all in flames, on a butterfly I ride

by nolander on Sep 28, 2011 4:29 PM CDT up reply actions

sad but relieved

I always kind of held on to a tiny ounce of hope for Steve. Sticking him on special teams didn’t do him any justice I don’t think; but after watching him have a decent half against the Raiders last year(when Arian was suspended for the half), I felt like he could eventually re-emerge. Wish him luck wherever he ends up next.

"We're goin with what we got"

by silentassassin on Sep 28, 2011 11:11 AM CDT reply actions

Slaton was a great college player

I didn't do anything wrong!.... and, I won't do it again.

by Rip Jersey on Sep 28, 2011 11:20 AM CDT reply actions

he coulda won a Heisman,

if hadn’t got hurt.

by mckraut on Sep 28, 2011 12:47 PM CDT up reply actions

Hopefully he doesn't have the same fate as Brooks Hatlen did

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by UofTOrange on Sep 28, 2011 12:49 PM CDT reply actions

While it is sad to see Slaton...

its nice to see the organization make a business decision. He had a great season in 2008, and was an overall great story; drafted in the 3rd round after Houston took flak the last two years for not taking Reggie Bush. Then Slaton out performed Bush mightily. The fact of the matter is he did absolutely nothing the past 2 seasons and has SUCKED this year. We run a one cut system, while Steve was trying to run a no cut system. Watch him against the Saints, he runs straight at a hole and won’t cut. The worst was at 6 minutes left in the 3rd quarter. He ran directly into the back of a blocker instead of either bouncing it out wide or cutting back inside for at least a minimal gain.

by keener713 on Sep 28, 2011 12:59 PM CDT reply actions

Forget Ogbannaya in the backfield...

MOAR THOR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by PHM on Sep 28, 2011 1:35 PM CDT reply actions

With ya' on the THOR love...

…but don’t be hatin’ on my man Oingo…
/is aware that he is pulling for the guy STRICTLY so he can keep talking about “th’ Boing”…

"Fanaticism consists in redoubling your efforts when you have forgotten your aim." - George Santayana

by DilloTex on Sep 28, 2011 2:46 PM CDT up reply actions

Thanks lil' Stevie

It’s not like Slaton decided to ‘treat his body like a corporation’ and do as little as possible to collect a big paycheck (see Okoye, Amobi). As a veteran of spinal surgery maybe I have a little different perspective, but coming back to football and getting into what’s similar to a minor car wreck 10-15 times per game has got to be scary as hell. I applaud him for even attempting the comeback when he probably didn’t even have 75% of his full strength back and maybe still doesn’t.

The sad part is his career is probably over and he never got that big contract and likely has tons of debt incurred when it looked inevitable he would be a wealthy and famous athlete. I hope he can leverage his WVU education and fame to stay afloat and live a comfortable life after 26 or however young he is.

I’m not sure how anyone could hate the dude. It’s not like the situation in Tennessee with Twitchy holding out, getting a huge new contact, crippling the team financially then laying an egg like so many players do after getting that money. Thanks again for 2008 lil’ Stevie, you made that season worth suffering through.

It's Our Time.... or something...

by bennprince on Sep 28, 2011 3:03 PM CDT via mobile reply actions

Indeed.

Hell, Zoolander is still collecting a pay-check, and he never came close to posting a respectable season. If Stevie’s agent is half as good as Carr’s, he should be able to keep a roof over Slaton’s head based on that 2008 season alone.

On another note, last game of the season for the ‘stros, and we’re going out in style. 4+ in the first, baby.

by Nashmeister on Sep 28, 2011 7:21 PM CDT up reply actions