DMN: 10 things to know about LB Andrew Gachkar, including a bout with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

[jobberone]

10 things to know about Cowboys LB Andrew Gachkar, including a bout with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

SportsDayDFW.com Follow @SportsDayDFW Email websports@***BANNED-URL***
Published: May 21, 2015 6:02 pm
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Cowboys linebacker Andrew Gachkar, with wife Lauren and baby daughter. (Photo from Gachkar’s Twitter account)

Linebacker Andrew Gachkar is one of the Cowboys’ new arrivals. A special-teams star for the San Diego Chargers, Gachkar filled in admirably at linebacker when starter Manti Te’o was injured in 2014. Here are 10 things to know about Gachkar.

1. Late-round choice

Andrew Gachkar, born Nov. 4, 1988, played for the Missouri Tigers and was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the seventh round of the 2011 NFL draft.

2. Not in Kansas anymore

Gachkar grew up in Overland Park, Kansas. He attended Blue Valley West High School, where he played both running back and linebacker.

3. Reunited

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Andrew Gachkar (59) (AP Photo/Joe Mahoney)

Gachkar (right in photo) has ties to two Cowboys’ assistant coaches. Gachkar played his first two seasons at San Diego under then-Chargers special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia, who has been the Cowboys’ special teams coordinator the last two seasons. Gachkar played his first two seasons in college at Missouri for Tigers defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, now the Cowboys’ linebackers coach.

4. An ex-Ranger relative

Gachkar married former Missouri volleyball player Lauren Nuckolls two years ago. According to Nuckolls’ college bio at Missouri, she’s a cousin of former Texas Rangers infielder Michael Young.

5. Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

In 2007, after his freshman year at Missouri, Gachkar was diagnosed with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. He had developed a blood clot because his collarbone and rib cage were too close together to allow proper blood flow through his veins. As a result, he underwent major surgery to remove one of his ribs, and a second surgery after another clot developed. Gachkar spent more than 20 hours in surgery and nearly a month in the hospital.

http://cowboysblog.***BANNED-URL***...ng-a-bout-with-thoracic-outlet-syndrome.html/



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[Doc50]

Excellent link.

These background stories give us a much fuller view of the person, as opposed to the player.

 

[jobberone]

Excellent link.

These background stories give us a much fuller view of the person, as opposed to the player.

Yeah, this is the time of year you get those personal interest stories. I love those.

 

[btcutter]

You must have these overachievers on the team. They are your core special teasers and valuable backups. Occasionally you strike gold and one defies all odd and become a valuable starter or better.

 

[AsthmaField]

10 things to know about Cowboys LB Andrew Gachkar, including a bout with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome...

What do you know about medicine?

 

[Szczepanik]

I really think Gachkar is going to surprise people with how well he will play this season when given his oppurtunities.

 

[Corso]

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome...

What do you know about medicine?

Good one. That thread... Whoo!

 

[Bullflop]

I really think Gachkar is going to surprise people with how well he will play this season when given his oppurtunities.

He was extremely well respected in San Diego when he played so well at LB after Manti T'eo was injured. Fans in San Diego were obviously pretty dismayed to hear of his departure. I believe Cowboys fans will take to him well.

 

[jobberone]

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome...

What do you know about medicine?

Not a lot.

 

[AsthmaField]

Not a lot.