In a surprising move during the NFL offseason, the Buffalo Bills have signed Gable Steveson, a former WWE wrestler and Olympic gold medalist. Steveson, a 275-pound athlete standing at 6ft 1, won gold for Team USA in the 125kg freestyle competition at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, which were postponed due to COVID-19. He also made a one-time WWE appearance at SummerSlam in August 2021. According to ESPN, Steveson has signed a three-year contract with the Bills.

On Friday, when his unexpected signing with the Bills was announced, Steveson expressed his excitement and gratitude for the opportunity, saying: ‘I have had the privilege of competing at the highest level in my sport, but I am eager to take on the challenge of seeing how my wrestling skills might translate to football. I am deeply grateful to Coach [Sean] McDermott, general manager Brandon Beane, and the entire Buffalo Bills organization for giving me this chance.’

However, Steveson’s past includes a controversial incident. In June 2019, he was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault involving another wrestler, Dylan Martinez. A woman reported the incident to the police and sought treatment at a hospital. Six months later, the charges against Steveson and Martinez were dropped due to ‘inadequate evidence,’ according to prosecutors.

Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman was quoted by the Associated Press in December 2019 as saying: ‘There are often conflicting accounts of what transpired, and this case is no exception. In the interest of justice, there is insufficient evidence to support filing charges and successfully prosecuting this case. We commend her [the victim’s] courage in coming forward.’

Steveson proudly displays his gold medal after winning the 125kg freestyle event at the Tokyo Olympic Games.

Steveson’s impressive stature and physicality make him a promising prospect for the defensive line.

In response to the resurfacing of the allegations after his WWE signing, Steveson – who was never formally charged – issued a statement to Ringside News, addressing the situation. He acknowledged the challenges of facing criticism and attacks on his character from people who do not know him personally. He emphasized that no charges were ever filed and that the episode had been difficult for all involved.

Steveson, who is 24 years old, now has the potential to become only the second man in history to win both Olympic gold and a Super Bowl. The first was Bob Hayes, who won gold medals in the 100m and 4x100m events in Tokyo in 1964 and also won the Super Bowl with the Dallas Cowboys that same year.

Head coach Sean McDermott envisions Steveson as a valuable addition to the Bills’ defensive line. According to ESPN, other NFL teams also expressed interest in signing the talented athlete. Although Steveson did not play football, he excelled in wrestling, winning two national championships and three Big-Ten Conference titles.

Louis Rees-Zammit showcases his speed and agility during a rugby match for Wales.

Steveson’s signing adds to a growing list of athletes with non-football backgrounds who have successfully transitioned to the NFL. Another notable example this offseason is the signing of Louis Rees-Zammit, a former Wales rugby star, by the Kansas City Chiefs. Jordan Mailata, the Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle, also made the switch from rugby league in Australia to American football. Additionally, Antonio Gates, the former tight end for the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers, grew up playing basketball.