Why are the Buffalo Bills signing Olympic gold medalist wrestler Gable Stevenson to play DT?

At this point, it would be fair to say that the Buffalo Bills are in the middle of a thorough roster review. With several veterans - defensive and offensive - having departed, not the least of which was Steffon Diggs, the Bills have ushered in an offseason of change.

Bills count on Olympian/Gold medalist Gable Stevenson

Following the loss of several experienced defensive players including but not limited to Tre’Davious White, Micah Hyde, Jordan Poyer, Leonard Floyd, and Jordan Phillips, it was already established that the Buffalo Bills were in need of some reinforcements. On the other hand, few could have expected that the team would turn to an athlete who has no previous experience in the game of football.

Indeed, reports now indicate that the team has signed former Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson to a three-year rookie contract. A standout sportsman at the University of Minnesota, Stevenson was a two-time winner of the Dan Hodge Trophy - college wrestling’s equivalent of the Heisman Trophy. He would eventually go on to win gold at the 2020 Summer Olympics, before returning to Minnesota, where he was named Big Ten Athlete of the Year in 2022. That of course, was prior to winning two national championships and three Big Ten titles during his career. It’s also worth noting that Gable made a mark in the WWE, where he competed from 2021 to 2024 - he was released earlier this year. As per reports, Gable is set to play on Buffalo’s defensive line.

“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 in response to questions about his new venture. “I am grateful to Coach (Sean) McDermott, (general manager) Brandon Beane, and the Buffalo Bills organization for giving me this opportunity.”

As for just who is Gable Steveson, the 24-year-old is a 6-1, 275-pound ‘freestyle and folkstyle wrestler’. What does that translate to in terms of the NFL? Truthfully, Stevenson is small for an inside man. On the other hand, it’s not like we haven’t seen smaller players dominate in the role when they’ve been quick in reaction and technically sound. Where the latter is concerned, one has to consider that it may take Stevenson some time to master the technique of the game. As physical as football can be, it’s not wrestling. That said, there are a number of movements and ‘techniques’ that are utilized in both sports. In that sense, it may be that a wrestler comes into the game with an edge that a traditional player wouldn’t have. Yet, the Bills along with their fans, will have to know this is an experiment. If Stevenson can establish himself as a solid addition to the roster, that in itself has got to be considered a victory for all involved. Should he prove to be a dud, it will be nothing more than a case of “nothing ventured, nothing gained.”