Ex-Gophers wrestler Steveson banks on himself in career switch to NFL

NY’S ORCHARD PARK — With his incredible takedown of three-time world wrestling champion Geno Petriashvili in the last seconds to win gold in the Tokyo Games, Gable Steveson believed he had accomplished the unthinkable.

After a span of three years, the 24-year-old Steveson is increasing the level of difficulty with which he tackles his next task: playing professional football. He is the most raw of all NFL rookies, having never played a down of football in his life. On Tuesday, the Buffalo Bills began their second practice week.

Steveson is taking on this project as a passion project and a personal challenge to see how far he can push his physical limits. Or, to quote the Minnesotan who had won two national titles in NCAA wrestling, “Do the impossible” after practice.

Steveson declared, “This is absolutely a unicorn situation.” It’s amazing that I’m now able to challenge the myth that you can go from one sport to another. And I sincerely hope that people grasp this and understand that they are free to live any kind of life they choose.”

Steveson, a 5’11” 266-pound defensive lineman, made the transition from super heavyweight wrestler to defensive lineman in his career after an unsuccessful attempt to join World Wrestling Entertainment. He was mostly associated with the WWE’s developmental brand, NXT, prior to his dismissal last month, having joined the company to much acclaim.

Steveson claimed that when the Bills contacted to invite him to a tryout, he was in the middle of shifting boxes. Buffalo signed him to a regular three-year undrafted rookie contract, subject to him making the roster, because he had enough raw potential.

“This audition was the first time I ever put on football cleats,” he remarked. “I wanted the chance to prove that I could be someone, so I gave it everything I had. And that’s the main point of this.”

Steveson has a lot going for him because of Bills coach Sean McDermott, a Pennsylvania native and two-time high school national wrestling champion. Even though McDermott continued to play football after high school, he believes that wrestling had a significant influence on his life.

In a jest, McDermott told The Associated Press that Steveson understood wrestling significantly better than he did. What counts is that McDermott has a lot more football knowledge and understands how the principles of wrestling, such as leverage, hand-fighting, and foot speed, can be applied to football, particularly for lineman.

To aid Steveson in his shift, McDermott has even added wrestling lingo, with mastering a playbook being the most difficult aspect.

“There aren’t ten different routes we can go in wrestling. You have to read a pass here. He said, “You have to read a reach, a base, and all those funny words.” “However, I was eager to learn when I arrived here with a clean slate. And after just one week, I already feel light years ahead.”

Wearing a helmet is an additional adjustment that proved to be more cumbersome than Steveson had anticipated.
Being on the same team as Von Miller, a pass rusher he grew up watching win a Super Bowl with the Denver Broncos, fascinates him.

Steveson has equally amazed his new teammates.

After learning about Steveson’s victory over Petriashvili, defensive tackle Ed Oliver remarked, “You talk about being the greatest at what you do, he is literally the best at what he does.”

Having someone of his quality around oneself is beneficial because it helps one understand the mental toughness required to enter the arena alone with an opponent. Oliver stated, “He understands what it’s like to just be in that one-on-one struggle.” “He’s only recently taken up football. I wouldn’t hold it to any standards. I’m not interested in doing that. However, I believe he will be well.”

Steveson giggled as he thought back to his childhood, when his mother had forbidden him from playing football.

“She felt afraid. However, he remarked, “Mom, you put me in the hardest sport, wrestling.” “This is all yours,’ she said as the chance presented itself. You’ve matured into a man now. Proceed and carry it out.”

The Bills and Steveson are gradually advancing him.

You won’t get very far if you’re aiming for September in its whole. “I’m trying to find the gift,” Steveson remarked.

“I want to dedicate my entire being to Buffalo. I’m sure that all of the wrestling lovers and the people out there will be interested in this moment,” he continued. “I simply want to be the person that says, ‘Hey, this man has never done this before, but he’s going to do it.'” And I have confidence in myself.”