Fans Will Love Jim Harbaugh’s Favorite Sione Houma In New Orleans

First things first:  Sione Houma’s name is pronounced (Who-ma). Houma is so ready to join the New Orleans Saints. I’ll get to the football part in just a second but there’s so much more that will make him a fan favorite. This one story seems to put him in perspective how interesting a personality he is:

Houma comes from Tonga, a small island country in the South Pacific. In 2013 the University of Michigan held a talent show which featured athletes in every sport. Houma came out following his highlight reel and broke out in a traditional warriors’ dance, the haka, with stomps and hand gyrations.

Somehow he got 18 of his teammates to join in following this Polynesian Elvis with a unique South Pacific dance. This is nearly three years ago when Houma was still trying to make a name for himself. He did just that on the football field as well.

Houma grew up in Utah in Salt Lake City. He helped his team go on to win a state championship and rushed for over 2,000 yards in his last two years. Houma entered Michigan in 2012 but was only a blocking back until 2015. He then got a chance to carry the rock and play some tailback. He rushed for 184 yards and five touchdowns in his senior year.

While Houma is listed as a FB at 6-foot-1 243 lbs, anything is possible with this Polynesian work horse. Harbaugh became a fan as he lead the chant “Houuuuu-maaaaa!” and  fans started the mimicking of hoos instead of boos through the stadium. Harbaugh also had this to say:

"“What a good player Siona Houma is. We first got here, and he was out the whole spring ball. Then we went to training camp, and he got an ankle rolled up a little bit and he was going on it, he was practicing, toughing it out, yet he was only 75-80%. Then he gets healthy and he starts running the ball from the fullback position, he’s catching balls from the backfield, he’s covering on special teams, and blocking like the dickens. And then, let’s play him at tailback. He did well, acquitted himself very well there. I just think he’s a really talented player and I think he’s got a bright future ahead of him in football. too after this year.”"

That was Jim Harbaugh in late 2015 talking about Sione Houma. Houma was not drafted by anyone. The Saints signed him to an undrafted rookie contract. This guy will make the team if he can stay healthy through training camp. The Saints could use a guy like Houma in short yardage situations. Houma could also lead the way for whoever gets the ball in the running game. Houma will very much be a perfect fit for Who Dat Nation. Don’t be suprised to see some Houma jerseys by season’s end.