Forget suplexes and slams, Gable Steveson is ready for sacks and scrums. The 24-year-old Olympic wrestling champion has thrown a curveball at the sporting world, signing with the Buffalo Bills as a defensive tackle. This unexpected move comes after a brief and somewhat tumultuous stint in the WWE.
Steveson's wrestling career was a quick pin. In 2021, he surprised many by choosing the theatrics of professional wrestling over the brutality of the UFC octagon. However, his WWE run ended in a one-and-done fashion, culminating in a release earlier this month.
Undeterred, Steveson is now trading the spandex for shoulder pads. While his lack of experience on the gridiron raises eyebrows, his raw athleticism and wrestling prowess are undeniable. Reports suggest he was recently training at Kill Cliff FC alongside seasoned UFC fighters like Robbie Lawler, hinting at a desire to transition to a different kind of combat.
This isn't the first time the worlds of wrestling and football have collided. UFC heavyweight kingpin Brock Lesnar famously attempted to join the Minnesota Vikings after leaving WWE in the early 2000s, but his NFL aspirations were ultimately body-slammed.
However, there's a blueprint for success in this unlikely career path. Stephen Neal, a two-time NCAA wrestling champion, defied expectations by joining the New England Patriots straight out of college in 2001 despite minimal football experience. Neal not only made the team but went on to become a three-time Super Bowl champion.
Can Steveson replicate Neal's gridiron glory? Only time will tell. But one thing's for sure: the Buffalo Bills are taking a gamble on a young athlete with undeniable physical talent. Steveson's journey from wrestling champion to NFL hopeful is a story that's sure to captivate fans across both sports.
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