Former WWE wrestler Gable Steveson signs with NFL team

Following his release from WWE, Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson is pursuing a career in a new sport.

Steveson has signed a contract with the NFL’s Buffalo Bills, his agent confirmed to ESPN on Friday. The deal is a standard three-year rookie contract. Steveson, who has no prior experience in football, will attempt to make it as a defensive tackle for the Bills.

“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. “I am grateful to Coach (Sean) McDermott, (general manager) Brandon Beane and the Buffalo Bills organization for giving me this opportunity.”

According to his agent, multiple NFL teams were interested in Steveson. ESPN’s Adam Schefter notes that, due to his inexperience, Steveson could be a candidate for the Bills’ practice squad this season.

“The 6-foot-1, 275-pound Steveson is expected to play defensive line, something he hasn’t done before during his athletic career. In fact, the first time Steveson ever put on a pair of cleats was at a recent workout for the Bills,” Schefter wrote.

“But Bills head coach Sean McDermott — who has a championship high school wrestling background — wanted Steveson to play defensive line and he believes he has the potential it takes to make an impact. The Bills were impressed with his level of talent, but also know how raw he is, which makes him a potential ideal practice squad candidate in 2024.”

A standout amateur wrestler, Steveson won Olympic gold in 2021 and competed in college for the University of Minnesota. He’s following in the footsteps of fellow University of Minnesota legend and WWE star Brock Lesnar, who came up short in his attempt to make the Minnesota Vikings roster in 2004.

Steveson signed with WWE in 2021 but never took well to pro wrestling. He only had one televised match, going to a double countout against Baron Corbin at NXT Great American Bash 2023. His other WWE matches either took place at NXT house shows or were dark matches.

Dave Meltzer first reported on May 4 that Steveson had been released from his WWE contract. An NFL career is something Steveson has been considering since before he signed with WWE in 2021.