Gable Steveson dons the American Flag at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan.
Buffalo Bills announce signing of Olympic champion Gable Steveson
by Richard Immel, USA Wrestling
The Buffalo Bills announced the signing of 2020 Olympic champion and two-time NCAA champion Gable Steveson to its roster on Friday afternoon.
Following reports of Steveson’s signing from NFL industry insiders, including ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Bills issued a formal announcement through its official X account.
According to ESPN and Schefter, Steveson is signing a standard rookie contract for three years to play Defensive Tackle under head coach Sean McDermott, a former wrestler himself. McDermott has a strong history of backing wrestling as a foundation for elite football players.
ESPN article: Olympic gold medal wrestler Gable Steveson signing with Bills
Steveson most recently competed on the wrestling mat at 2023 Final X held at Prudential Center, where he defeated now World bronze medalist and Paris Olympian Mason Parris two matches to none for the 2023 U.S. World Team spot. Steveson did not compete at the 2023 World Championships, leaving open the opportunity for Parris to shine on the World stage.
A native of Apple Valley, Minn., Steveson was a four-time Minnesota state champion for Apple Valley High School and won NCAA titles for his home-state Minnesota Gophers in 2021 and 2022. He was named the Dan Hodge Trophy recipient as the nation’s top college wrestler both years he won the NCAA tournament. In addition, Steveson was a three-time Big Ten Conference champion for the Gophers.
Steveson secured three gold medals at age-group World Championships as a heavyweight. He topped the podium at the U17 Worlds in 2015 and 2016. He picked up a gold medal at the 2017 U20 World Championships. His only Senior level World competition came in Tokyo where he became a 2020 Olympic gold medalist for Team USA.