Bills sign former Olympic gold medalist
Aug 6, 2021; Chiba, Japan; Gable Dan Steveson (USA) celebrates after defeating Geno Petriashvili (GEO) in the men’s freestyle 125kg final during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Makuhari Messe Hall A. Mandatory Credit: Mandi Wright-USA TODAY Sports
The Buffalo Bills have signed a former Olympic gold medalist.
The Bills are signing former Olympic wrestler Gable Steveson to a 3-year standard rookie deal. Steveson will be getting a shot with the Bills despite not previously playing football.
The 24-year-old Steveson has a deep wrestling background and racked up numerous accolades during his wrestling career, highlighted by his gold medal at the 2020 Olympics. He was a 3-time All-American in college at Minnesota, two-time Division I national champion, and two-time Dan Hodge Trophy winner.
Steveson began to consider an NFL career after being let go by WWE this month. He reportedly received interest from different NFL teams but chose to sign with the Bills because he thinks they can help him best develop his skills as a potential defensive lineman.
The Bills appear to view Steveson as an ideal practice squad candidate for the year.
“I have been fortunate to compete at the highest level of competition in my sport but am looking forward to the challenge of seeing how my wrestling skills may translate to football,” Steveson said in a statement. “I am grateful to Coach [Sean] McDermott, [general manager] Brandon Beane and the Buffalo Bills organization for giving me this opportunity.”
Bills coach Sean McDermott has a wrestling background, which helps contribute to the team’s belief that Steveson can become an impact player.
