NFL Teams Look to Poach Former WWE Talent Gable Steveson

Gable Steveson, once part of WWE, now draws interest from NFL teams after his recent release from the wrestling organization. His journey from the wrestling ring to the football field has sparked curiosity among fans and analysts alike.

Steveson, who had signed a multi-year contract with WWE in 2021, had limited exposure on television, with his only televised match ending in a no-contest. Despite this, his manager, Dave Martin, revealed on “The MMA Hour“ podcast that multiple NFL teams have expressed interest in Steveson.

From WWE to NFL: Gable Steveson’s transition

Martin said, “Gable Steveson is very grateful for the opportunities he had with WWE and would like to thank everybody in the organization who helped him get there. He would also like to thank the fans who supported him on his professional wrestling journey.” 

He further stated that Gable is ready to resume competing against elite-level competition and looks forward to sharing the big news with his fans very soon. Martin also said, “Multiple NFL teams have reached out to Gable Steveson. He has also been training at Kill Cliff FC with Henri Hooft and Robbie Lawler. There is no shortage of opportunities to compete.”

This isn’t the first time the idea of transitioning to football has been floated for Steveson. In 2021, following his success at the Tokyo Summer Olympics, a scout from the Buffalo Bills reached out to him, showing early signs of NFL interest.

However, he is not the first. Before Gable Steveson, several renowned WWE players shifted to the NFL.

WWE stars who took a shot at NFL glory

One notable example is Brock Lesnar, who rose to prominence in WWE during the early 2000s as the company’s next big star. Despite his success in pro wrestling, Lesnar decided to pursue a career in the NFL. After a memorable match against Goldberg at WrestleMania XX, Lesnar participated in the NFL Combine and was impressed with his performance. 

Another WWE superstar with NFL aspirations is Mojo Rawley. Despite spending his entire pro wrestling career with WWE, Rawley came close to realizing his dream of playing in the NFL. He was signed by the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 2009 but was ultimately cut from the team. Subsequently, Rawley joined the Arizona Cardinals in 2010, but a training camp injury dashed his hopes of a successful NFL career. 

Roman Reigns, another WWE superstar, also had aspirations of playing in the NFL. In 2007, Reigns was signed by the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent. However, his NFL dreams were put on hold when he was diagnosed with leukemia, leading to his release from the Vikings’ roster. 

These examples highlight the diverse paths that WWE superstars have taken in their careers, especially in the NFL. While their NFL aspirations may not have panned out as initially hoped, their experiences shaped them into the athletes they are today.