The Buffalo Bills are going for gold.
Olympic gold medalist wrestler Gable Steveson says the Bills have reached out him about a potential NFL opportunity. Steveson, who wrestles for the University of Minnesota, took home the gold after winning the men’s freestyle 125-kilogram final at the Tokyo 2020 Games.
He says the experience has opened up a bevy of opportunities for him — including a possible chance at the NFL.
“So many great organizations and teams have reached out,” Steveson told Sports Illustrated’s Justin Barrasso. “A scout from the Bills, there is a connection with the [Baltimore] Ravens. The Olympic gold medal is helping me see the world, so my next step is going to be a big decision. I’m going to decompress now and think about it.”
With a 6-foot-1, 260-pound frame, Steveson possesses the size to play a bevy of NFL positions, including defensive line and linebacker. During an appearance of Barstool Sports’ popular “Pardon My Take” podcast (via twincities.com), he said he hopes he can get a tryout with the NFL.
Minnesota’s football coach, P.J. Fleck, said he would be happy to provide Steveson with the opportunity.
While we don’t know which position Steveson would play, it isn’t unprecedented for college wrestlers to make the transition to pro football. Stephen Neal, for example, played 10 seasons on the New England Patriots’ offensive line after winning the NCAA wrestling championship.
Also, Bills head coach Sean McDermott was an accomplished high school wrestler, winning two national prep championships in college. So the connection is there.
Now we'll see if the opportunity follows.
