“That desperate?” – Bills signing Olympic wrestling gold medalist Gable Steveson as DT sparks WILD reactions on social media

On Friday, the Bills surprised the NFL fans by signing Olympian and former WWE star.

“That desperate?” – Bills signing Olympic wrestling gold medalist Gable Steveson as DT sparks WILD reactions on social media

Buffalo Bills sign Gable Steveson (Image via IMAGO)

The Buffalo Bills have been giving NFL fans surprises since the off-season began. First the unceremonious departure of All-Pro receiver Stefon Diggs to Houston Texans and now the sudden addition of Gable Steveson, who has never played football in his life.

Hailing from Portage, Indiana, Steveson tried his luck in wrestling. He joined the University of Minnesota and went 85-2 in NCAA competitions — the best percentage in the division’s history — earning two NCAA titles and three Big 10 titles to his name.

After finishing college, the 6-foot-5 Steveson signed a contract with WWE in 2021, which lasted just one year. On Friday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Buffalo Bills were signing Gable Stevenson.

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Fans were left baffled by the Bills signing Gable Steveson

The Bills head coach, Sean McDermott, with a wrestling background, proposed using Steveson as a defensive lineman. McDermott reportedly was impressed by the strength, agility, and intellect of the 24-year-old during a trial.

"That desperate?" - Bills signing Olympic wrestling gold medalist Gable Steveson as DT sparks WILD reactions on social media
Gable Steveson (Image via IMAGO)

However, that was the first time Steveson wore cleats and stepped onto a football field. McDermott saw the potential but also witnessed that Gable was still raw. This led to the fans talking who pointed out that the Buffalo Bills are so desperate to win a Super Bowl before their window closes that they are enlisting whomever they can find.

This wasn’t the first time a pro wrestler decided to try their luck in football. Back in 2004, WWE Champion Brock Lesner temporarily retired from wrestling to fulfill his dream of playing in the NFL. He signed as a defensive tackle with the Minnesota Vikings but failed to make the roster.

Regardless of the social media confusion, Steveson looks forward to emulating his wrestling skills on the gridiron.

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. I am grateful to Coach [Sean] McDermott, [General Manager] Brandon Beane, and the Buffalo Bills organization for giving me this opportunity.
Gable Steveson said

Steveson competed in the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo where he represented the USA winning a Gold Medal. His agent Carter Chow revealed that the Bills weren’t the only team interested in his client, but their offer was the best.

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