**Gable Steveson has been making waves lately, but not for reasons anyone would expect.** After a rollercoaster ride between WWE and NFL, the Olympic wrestling champion found himself back where he originally dominated—on the NCAA mat. While most would struggle with such setbacks, Steveson seems to have found clarity and motivation amidst it all.
This recent shift to NCAA wrestling sparked mixed reactions from fans and critics alike. However, Steveson remains unfazed, now fully committed to the mat and pursuing his third NCAA title. But stepping back into wrestling hasn’t been the only event on his journey. There was a short stint that caught everyone’s attention—a foray into the world of American football.
After his departure from WWE, Steveson took an unexpected detour into the NFL, landing with the Buffalo Bills. Although his time in the NFL was brief, it was an experience filled with unforgettable moments. “I chose Buffalo just because I really like Sean McDermott and Brandon Beane and what the team has going on,” Steveson shared in a recent interview. With the Bills sporting an impressive 9-2 record, having just bested the Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, it was an opportunity that was too good to pass up.
But as all good things must come to an end, Steveson soon found himself out of the NFL. Despite the outcome, he remained grateful for his time there, speaking warmly about the head coach Sean McDermott and general manager Brandon Beane, as well as the talented roster he got to meet. He reflected on his journey, noting the mixed emotions that came with these rapid transitions. In an interview with Ariel Helwani, Steveson was candid about how both WWE and NFL exits affected him, saying, “I’m not sure, maybe no answer… I think they both got a certain sting to it, and that’s about it.”
It’s rare to see an athlete seamlessly shift between high-profile sports like Steveson has. He knew well that transitioning to football wouldn’t be easy, especially with such high expectations, but that didn’t deter him. Speaking about his time with the Bills, he was particularly appreciative of the roster, which included names like Greg Rousseau, Ed Oliver, DaQuan Jones, and DeWayne Carter. Steveson had nothing but admiration for his team, acknowledging the memories he’d cherish long after he hung up his helmet.
For someone like Gable Steveson, this chapter of setbacks and surprises has certainly been an intense journey. But one thing is clear—he’s back where he belongs, ready to make history yet again in NCAA wrestling. As Steveson steps into his next bout, one can only wonder what heights this talented athlete will reach next.
