In a surprising turn of events, Gable Steveson, the Olympic gold medalist and former WWE star, is making waves after confirming interest from “multiple” NFL teams. Recently released from WWE, where he was fired after a brief stint, Steveson has reignited speculation about a possible transition from wrestling to football, according to his manager.
The buzz began after Steveson, a two-time NCAA champion from the University of Minnesota, revealed that he had been approached by a scout from the Buffalo Bills in 2021 following his triumphant gold-medal victory in freestyle wrestling at the Tokyo Olympics.
Can Gable Steveson Make the Switch from Wrestling to Football?
Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 285 pounds, Steveson is undeniably an imposing athlete. However, his lack of high school or collegiate football experience raises questions about how seamlessly he could pivot into a new sport at the professional level. His situation mirrors that of another WWE legend, Brock Lesnar, who attempted an NFL career in 2004 but struggled to secure a roster spot despite playing football in high school.
“Training camp is right around the corner for NFL teams, so it’s hard to imagine that Steveson will sign with a team, learn how to play football, transition his body to be football-ready, and become a contributor between now and the start of the season,” one sports analyst noted.
Multiple #NFL teams have reached out to Olympic Gold Medalist Gable Steveson after he was released by the WWE.
He's 23 years old, 6'1, 265 lbs, and went 67-2 in collegiate wrestling and 40-6 in senior matches. pic.twitter.com/MX9pyC59nL
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) May 9, 2024
The Challenges and Possibilities Ahead
Steveson’s best chances may lie on the defensive line, where his athleticism could potentially make him a versatile pass rusher. Modern NFL teams seek defensive line rotations deep enough to maintain a consistent quarterback rush throughout the game. While offensive linemen are often heavier than 285 pounds, the defensive line might offer a better fit for Steveson’s unique skill set.
However, transforming his body and football instincts quickly enough to contribute at the pro level remains a significant challenge. While his athletic prowess is not in question, the intricacies of NFL gameplay could prove daunting for someone who hasn’t had the benefit of gradual development over years of experience.
From Gold Medals to Gridirons
As the NFL season looms, speculation continues to swirl around Steveson’s potential role on the gridiron. Can this Olympic champion parlay his raw talent and competitive drive into a spot on a professional football roster? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the journey will be fascinating to watch.
Source: Fansided
