The Buffalo Bills are taking a gamble by signing Gable Steveson as a defensive tackle. Steveson made a name in Greco-Roman wrestling, winning the gold medal in the 125-kilogram men’s wrestling freestyle competition at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Before winning gold in the quadrennial event, Steveson is a two-time NCAA Division 1 Wrestling Champion in the 285-pound division. The University of Minnesota alum has a 40-6 men's freestyle wrestling record, his last victory against Mason Parris in the 2023 US World Team Trials.
Steveson also won gold in the 2021 Pan-American Championships and the 2017 Junior World Championships. Meanwhile, he has a 67-2 NCAA record, leading to three Big Ten Championships.
Gable Steveson, Olympic wrestling gold medalist, signing with Bills as DT.
— NFL (@NFL) May 31, 2024
He won gold at the 2020 Olympics and is a 2x NCAA wrestling national champion. pic.twitter.com/jG9PEIjxRm
He also tried his luck with World Wrestling Entertainment, but the company released him in May 2024.
While Steveson is an impressive athlete, he will face an uphill battle to secure a roster spot. DaQuan Jones and Ed Oliver are the projected starters, while Austin Johnson and DeWayne Carter are expected to deliver quality minutes.
Eli Ankou, DeShawn Williams, Branson Deen, and Rondell Bothroyd compete for a roster spot. Steveson must impress during training camp to earn a place in the 53-man active roster or keep a foot inside via the practice squad.
-Lance Fernandez