Olympic Gold Medalist and NCAA Champion Wrestler Gable Steveson Joins the Buffalo Bills

Olympic gold medalist and two-time NCAA champion wrestler Gable Steveson is making a significant career shift to football. Steveson has signed with the Buffalo Bills and is aiming to secure a spot on the team as a defensive tackle, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The Bills confirmed his signing and also announced the release of punter Matt Haack to make room on the roster. Steveson, 23, signed a standard three-year rookie contract, his agent shared with Schefter. Reports indicate that the Miami Dolphins were also interested in Steveson. Before this, Steveson had tried his hand at professional wrestling with WWE, signing with them in 2021. He had a short run in NXT but was released by WWE in May. Buffalo showed interest in Steveson following his WWE departure and invited him for a visit two weeks ago, as reported by Syracuse.com.

Despite his impressive achievements in wrestling, Steveson has never played football before. ESPN noted that the first time he wore football cleats was during his workout with the Bills.

"I’ve been lucky to compete at the highest levels in wrestling, but I'm excited to see how my skills translate to football," Steveson told ESPN. "I appreciate Coach Sean McDermott, GM Brandon Beane, and the Buffalo Bills for this opportunity."

Interestingly, McDermott was also a top high school wrestler, winning two national prep titles with a perfect 61–0 record. Steveson, who wrestled at 285 pounds in college, is currently listed at 265 pounds, similar to the weight of many edge rushers rather than interior defensive linemen. For comparison, the recently retired Aaron Donald was listed at 6-foot-1 and 280 pounds during his NFL career.

Steveson won a gold medal in the super heavyweight division (125 kg) at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, making him the youngest gold medalist in that category at just 21 years old. At the University of Minnesota, he won three Big Ten championships from 2020 to 2022 and NCAA Division I titles in folkstyle wrestling in 2021 and 2022. He is also a two-time recipient of the Dan Hodge Trophy, awarded to the nation’s best college wrestler.

Steveson's transition from wrestling to football is not entirely unprecedented, though it is certainly rare. Athletes with a strong wrestling background often possess attributes that can be beneficial in football, such as exceptional balance, hand fighting techniques, and a low center of gravity. However, the challenge for Steveson will be adapting to the physical demands and technical intricacies of football, a sport he has never played before.

The decision to release punter Matt Haack to make room for Steveson on the roster underscores the Bills' commitment to giving him a legitimate shot. Haack had been with the Bills since 2021, and his release indicates the team's belief in Steveson's potential.

Steveson's wrestling career has been nothing short of stellar. His Olympic gold medal win was particularly dramatic; he scored a last-second victory over Georgia's Geno Petriashvili, the reigning three-time world champion, in the final match. This triumph was a testament to Steveson's perseverance and skill, qualities that will be essential as he transitions to football.

At Minnesota, Steveson was a dominant force in collegiate wrestling. His three Big Ten titles and two NCAA championships highlight his ability to perform consistently at the highest levels of competition. The Dan Hodge Trophy, often referred to as the "Heisman of wrestling," is awarded based on criteria such as dominance, sportsmanship, and match quality. Winning this prestigious award twice cements Steveson's legacy in the sport.

Steveson's journey to the NFL is a story of uncharted territory. If he succeeds in making the Bills' roster, he will join the exclusive ranks of multi-sport athletes who have excelled at the professional level. The potential to join Bob Hayes, who won both an Olympic gold medal and a Super Bowl, adds an extra layer of intrigue to Steveson's football career.

The Bills organization, led by Coach Sean McDermott and General Manager Brandon Beane, is known for taking calculated risks on talent with high upside. McDermott's wrestling background might provide a unique understanding of Steveson's potential and the challenges he will face. Beane, who has a reputation for savvy personnel decisions, likely sees Steveson as a high-reward prospect worth the investment.

Steveson's entry into the NFL will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. His athletic prowess, coupled with his wrestling accolades, makes him an intriguing addition to the Buffalo Bills. If he can adapt to the rigors of professional football, Steveson could become one of the most unique and inspiring stories in the sport's history. As he embarks on this new chapter, the sports world will be eagerly anticipating how Gable Steveson’s wrestling excellence translates to the gridiron.