Olympic gold medal wrestler Gable Steveson has signed a standard undrafted rookie free agent contract with the Buffalo Bills, transitioning from the wrestling mat to the football field. The Bills have designated the 24-year-old as a defensive lineman, banking on his leverage techniques and agility to make an impact in football.
Standing at 5-foot-11 and weighing 266 pounds, Steveson made history by becoming the youngest freestyle wrestler to win gold as a super heavyweight at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. He continued his success by clinching two college national titles at Minnesota in 2021 and '22, earning the prestigious Dan Hodge Trophy twice as the nation’s best college wrestler.
Following his second college championship, Steveson symbolically retired from amateur wrestling by leaving his shoes in the center of the mat. In Buffalo, he joins a team led by head coach Sean McDermott, who credits wrestling for shaping his life despite pursuing football after high school.
Expressing his eagerness for the challenge, Steveson stated, 'I am looking forward to seeing how my wrestling skills may translate to football.' His three-year contract with the Bills is contingent on him making the team, as it is not guaranteed.
Steveson's addition to the Bills roster led to the release of Matt Haack, one of three punters on the team. This move follows the Bills' selection of former English rugby player Travis Clayton in the seventh round of the draft, projecting him to play offensive line after participating in the NFL's International Pathway Program.
Steveson's journey includes winning gold at the Tokyo Olympics and signing an NIL deal with World Wrestling Entertainment before briefly returning to amateur wrestling last year. Despite his release from WWE, Steveson remains determined to make an impact in football, drawing inspiration from his namesake, wrestler Don Gable.
