Former Minnesota Gophers wrestling icon Gable Steveson’s WWE career recently came to an end, due to a variety of factors. His fatal flaw, however, was that he simply didn’t have the ‘It’ factor needed from a professional wrestler, which is just as much about acting as it is athleticism.
Steveson may have been extremely accomplished during his amatuer wrestling days, where he won multiple NCAA championships and an Olympic gold medal… but the WWE wasn’t for him, at least not now.
Just because the WWE wasn’t the right fit, doesn’t mean the 6’1″, 285 lb (23 y/o) freak athlete can’t find success competing in another sport, right. Many would doubt that as possible, but for Steveson, it’s a realistic option being presented to him.
Gable Steveson to the NFL?
According to his manager, Steveson could follow in the footsteps of another Gopher wrestling legend, Brock Lesner, and make a real run at the NFL. On his show ‘ The MMA Hour ‘ Ariel Helwani (HBO, The Ringer, VOX) read off a statement from Gable’s manager.
Apparently, they have been contacted by multiple NFL teams about a spot on their training camp roster. No doubt, if Steveson wants to make a real run at playing football, now is certainly the time.
“Gable is ready to resume competing against elite level competition and looks forward to sharing big news with you all very soon.”
“Multiple NFL teams have reached out to Gable Steveson. Once again, multiple National Football League Teams have reached out to Gable Steveson.”
Both the Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills previously reached out to Steveson about a potential NFL career, and he’s not too old to give it a shot now either. Steveson did not play football in college, though he has teased it , and even suited up for P.J. Fleck’s Golden Gophers. This is not the first time the NFL has come calling for Steveson.
Gable’s size makes him a potential fit along the defensive line, where his strength, hands, and his understanding of leverage could give him the upper hand. Fleck previously tabbed him as a three-technique defensive tackle .
Related: Gopher Legend Gable Steveson Dropped by WWE Because He Didn’t Have ‘It’
Several successful NFL linemen have a strong wrestling background, and Steveson would be no different, even if he is more accomplished on the mat. Former Gophers defensive coordinator Joe Rossi felt Steveson could excel as a run stopper and as a pass-rusher and even once compared him to a future first-ballot Hall of Famer.
“I think he would do really well in the run game. I think he would do really well rushing the passer. Frame, the skill set, that Aaron Donald guy. I think they got similar strength and twitch and short-area burst.”
Former Gophers DC Joe Rossi on Gable Steveson
‘That Aaron Donald guy’ was pretty good. Obviously Steveson is several steps behind the former Rams legend, but if several coaches thought he had potential as a 20-year-old when those comments were made, Steveson should still have more room for growth now as a 23-year-old who has never received college or NFL-level coaching.
Gable’s manager left all of the other options on the table too, including the usage of his final year of college eligibility with the Minnesota Gophers, or elsewhere. Ariel seems most intrigued by Steveson’s future in the MMA. Included in the statement is that he is now training at Kill Cliff FC with Henri Hooft and Robbie Lawler .
Related: Gable Steveson Fuels Rumors About Possible Transfer to Iowa
We’ll see if real fighting is a route Steveson wants to go down. Not everyone is built for that but there is no doubt he has the athleticism and elite grappling skills to be really good at it if he is. Sounds like we’ll soon find out.
Read More: Gopher Legend Gable Steveson Dropped by WWE Because He Didn’t Have ‘It’
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