Houston Gamblers Sign Defensive Back Roman Parodie, Release Two Players

Roster moves aim to strengthen secondary and optimize team depth ahead of upcoming games.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Houston Gamblers made significant roster changes on Tuesday, signing defensive back Roman Parodie and releasing wide receiver Monaray Baldwin and linebacker Toby Ndukwe. Parodie, a 23-year-old from Florida, impressed during his time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and brings playmaking abilities to the Gamblers' secondary. The releases of Baldwin and Ndukwe reflect the team's strategic adjustments as they look to optimize performance and depth for the upcoming season.

Why it matters

These roster moves by the Houston Gamblers signal their intent to bolster their defense and recalibrate their offense and linebacker positions. The addition of Parodie, a young defensive back with a proven track record, aims to strengthen the team's secondary, while the releases of Baldwin and Ndukwe suggest the Gamblers are evaluating player potential and recent performances to improve their overall competitiveness in the UFL.

The details

The Houston Gamblers signed 23-year-old defensive back Roman Parodie, who previously had a stint with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Parodie, standing at 6'2" and 204 pounds, impressed during his preseason appearances with the Buccaneers, recording six tackles, one interception returned for a touchdown, and one pass breakup. Prior to turning professional, Parodie had a successful college career at Ohio University, where he accumulated 124 tackles, four tackles for loss, one sack, three interceptions, 28 pass breakups, one forced fumble, and four fumble recoveries over 51 games. The Gamblers also released wide receiver Monaray Baldwin and linebacker Toby Ndukwe, both of whom were drafted by the team in 2026. Baldwin, a 23-year-old from Texas, had a productive college career at Baylor, catching 99 passes for 1,673 yards and 13 touchdowns. Ndukwe, a 26-year-old linebacker from Texas, has bounced around several teams, including the Pittsburgh Steelers, Calgary Stampeders, and San Antonio Brahmas, with limited game action.

  • On February 11, 2026, the Houston Gamblers confirmed the signing of Roman Parodie and the release of Monaray Baldwin and Toby Ndukwe.

The players

Roman Parodie

A 23-year-old defensive back from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, who previously signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent and impressed during his preseason appearances.

Monaray Baldwin

A 23-year-old wide receiver from Killen, Texas, who was drafted by the Houston Gamblers in 2026 and had a productive college career at Baylor University.

Toby Ndukwe

A 26-year-old linebacker from Richmond, Texas, who has bounced around several teams, including the Pittsburgh Steelers, Calgary Stampeders, and San Antonio Brahmas, with limited game action.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

These roster moves by the Houston Gamblers demonstrate their commitment to continuously evaluating and adjusting their team to improve their overall competitiveness in the UFL. The addition of Parodie, a young defensive back with a proven track record, aims to strengthen their secondary, while the releases of Baldwin and Ndukwe suggest the team is focused on optimizing their roster and depth for the upcoming season.