Wrestler signs with NFL even though he never played football

Two-time NCAA winning wrestler and Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson is turning his attention to football. According to Adam Schefter of ESPNSteveson signed with the Buffalo Bills as a potential defensive lineman – although he had never played football before.

The Bills confirmed that Steveson would join their roster after releasing their punter Matt Haack. The 23-year-old wrestler signed a one-year contract, which is the norm for rookies. Reports also suggested that the Miami Dolphins were interested in Steveson, but the Bills won the contract.

The wrestler enjoyed success in the athletic department throughout high school, college and professional school, but has never played football before. The very first time he did it was when he started practicing with the Buffalo Bills.

Stevenson said ESPN“I have been fortunate to compete at the highest level of competition in my sport, but I look forward to the challenge of seeing how my wrestling skills can translate to football.”

“I’m grateful to Coach (Sean) McDermott, (general manager) Brandon Beane and the Buffalo Bills organization for giving me this opportunity.”

McDermott is confident in the 6-foot-1, 275-pound Steveson’s ability to get going in the game. McDermott has high school wrestling experience and believes Syevnson’s talents are transferable to the defensive line.

The Bills found themselves impressed with both his physicality and raw athletic talent, both of which will have him comfortably on the short list of practice squad candidates for the 2024 season.

Steveson attended the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where he won a gold medal and made history at age 21 as the youngest person to ever do so. He was a super heavyweight competitor.

His accomplishments mean that if he wins a Super Bowl under the Bills, he could potentially join fellow athlete Bob Hayes as the only other athletes to win a gold medal and a Super Bowl victory.

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