NFL teams have broadened their horizons in recent years, scouting and discovering talent from unconventional sources. There have been numerous success stories of athletes with no football experience forging successful careers in the NFL.
However, this approach can sometimes be taken to extremes. These success stories can lead teams to overreach in their creative thinking, as demonstrated by the Buffalo Bills’ latest signing.
According to Adam Schefter, the Bills have signed Olympic gold medalist wrestler Gable Stevenson. The 24-year-old, who has never played football, will attempt to secure a spot on the Bills’ final roster.
Bills Sign Olympic Gold Medalist Wrestler Gable Stevenson
This move appears to be little more than a frivolous attempt to garner attention for several reasons.
Schefter’s subsequent update noted that Stevenson will be trying out for the defensive line despite lacking any prior football experience. Additionally, Stevenson reportedly wore cleats for the first time during a recent Bills workout.
Making the team will be a significant challenge for the professional wrestler, as he lacks the elite physical attributes typically sought after in NFL players. Standing at 6’1″ and weighing 265 lbs, he is considered undersized for a defensive lineman. Furthermore, his inclusion on the final roster potentially denies a spot to someone with a more realistic chance of making meaningful contributions to the team.
While Stevenson boasts impressive athletic achievements, including winning a gold medal for the United States in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and securing multiple world championships in wrestling, it remains uncertain whether his skills will translate effectively to the football field.
It’s worth noting that there have been instances of successful transitions from wrestling to football, such as Stephen Neal, who started 81 games for the New England Patriots after initially signing with them without prior football experience. However, it’s unlikely that Stevenson will achieve a similar level of success, and his decision to pursue football after being released from his WWE contract suggests a less assured transition.
Despite a disappointing offseason, the Bills are still viewed as favorites to win the AFC East, with FanDuel Sportsbook listing them at +160 odds, while the Patriots trail behind at +2400.
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