At the end of the last draft, the Buffalo Bills took a risk by selecting a rugby player who had never played football. They did it again in the last few days by hiring a wrestler who they will try to transform into a defensive lineman.
Gable Steveson will get a tryout with the Bills, having never put on a pair of shoulder pads. His contract is for three years, although in the NFL contracts are not often guaranteed.
At 6’1″ and 265 pounds, he will try to break into the lineup as a defensive tackle.
Steveson is best known as an amateur wrestler, having won an Olympic gold medal at the Tokyo Games in the 125 kg category in the summer of 2021. He had previously won the national championship twice at the University of Minnesota.
Shortly after his Olympic title, he signed with WWE, but only one of his 17 fights with the federation was televised. Not enjoying the expected success, he was released on May 3.
Time for transition
The Bills are taking a chance on Steveson as a free agent.
“I have had the chance to compete at the highest level in my sport and I look forward to seeing how my wrestling skills can translate to football. I’m grateful that coach (Sean) McDermott and Brandon Beane (general manager) are giving me this opportunity,” the 24-year-old told ESPN.
Head coach Sean McDermott was probably attracted by Steveson’s background since he himself practiced amateur wrestling during his high school career in the 1990s.
Sympathetic to the cause
McDermott has spoken several times about his wrestling background and how much it helped shape his football skills.
In NFL history, only one Olympic gold medalist has won the Super Bowl, former sprinter turned wide receiver Bob Hayes with the Dallas Cowboys in 1972.
The Bills are definitely trying an unconventional approach, having drafted rugby player Travis Clayton in the seventh round, whom they are trying to transform into a blocker.
2024-06-03 13:17:35
#wrestler #Olympic #medalist #trial #Bills
