The Buffalo Bills made headlines earlier this offseason by signing former NCAA wrestling champion Gable Steveson, a move that has sparked both excitement and controversy. Steveson, renowned for his wrestling prowess at the University of Minnesota, where he clinched two NCAA titles, now faces the daunting task of transitioning to professional football with no prior experience in the sport.
The controversy surrounding Steveson’s signing stems from an incident in June 2019. While at Minnesota, Steveson and a teammate were arrested on suspicion of criminal sexual misconduct. However, the case was dropped in December of the same year due to a lack of evidence. This background has inevitably followed Steveson into his new endeavor.
During mandatory minicamp, Bills General Manager Brandon Beane addressed the issue, stating, “As I’ve told you guys before, I’m not a crime investigator. There were no charges.” Beane’s comments reflect the team’s stance on Steveson’s past, focusing on his athletic potential rather than the legal troubles that once clouded his reputation.
Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 275 pounds, Steveson is listed as a defensive tackle, despite having no formal experience in football. His athleticism and competitive spirit, honed through years of wrestling, are the attributes the Bills hope to leverage as they integrate him into their roster. Steveson’s foray into football began with the team’s OTAs and mandatory minicamp, where he took his first steps towards becoming an NFL player.
Steveson’s journey from the wrestling mat to the football field is unprecedented. After his wrestling success, which also saw him dabble in WWE, he now faces the challenge of learning an entirely new sport. The transition will not be easy, but Steveson has time on his side. With OTAs and minicamp behind him, he will have more time to immerse himself in the nuances of football before the Bills’ training camp kicks off next month.
The signing of Gable Steveson is a gamble for the Bills, but one that comes with the potential for high reward. If Steveson can translate his wrestling dominance into football success, he could become a formidable force on Buffalo’s defensive line. As the season approaches, all eyes will be on Steveson to see if he can make the leap from wrestling champion to NFL standout.
