Every corner of Maturi Pavilion vibrated with intense energy as Gable Steveson appeared in his last Minnesota Gopher wrestling match during a home event on February 13. Steveson did what he does best: He had a first-round tech fall over Iowa’s No. 11-ranked Ben Kueter, finishing the regular season with a perfect 10-0. Although the match ended in a crushing defeat for the Gophers, when you are at Steveson’s level, you don’t need a team victory to rejoice. The reputation he has built for himself speaks for itself. The Indiana native who had left the NFL, rejoined the NCAA as he needed to complete his college wrestling career. But there was more to come…

A flawless collegiate record, two NCAA titles, and an Olympic gold later, the 24-year-old was not done. Not even close. He was about to do something no Olympic wrestler had done before. In a move that caught many by surprise, the wrestling superstar had an unexpected announcement, one that would redefine his future in ways few could have predicted. What could be next for the 24-year-old who has already achieved it all?

While fans are still reeling from the aftermath of the rollercoaster of his NCAA career, an announcement broke that added another layer to Gable Steveson’s already phenomenal list of achievements. Dr. Shane Needham, founder and CEO of NBO, took to Instagram with a message that resonated beyond the wrestling world. Captioned, “As founder and CEO of NBO, never in my dreams did I think I would sponsor an Olympic Gold Medalist, yet alone in the sport that I love, wrestling. On top of that I get to call him a friend. Great things are coming Gable! I am thrilled to announce that Olympic gold medalist and NCAA wrestling champion @gable from @gopherwrestling is joining the #NBOlife team!” the announcement also featured a video opening with an exciting monologue.

But before we get to that, for the unversed: NBOlife, which already has NIL partnerships with University of Minnesota Wrestling’s Max McEnelly, and Wabash College Wrestling’s Daniel Urbi, reportedly specializes in empowering “you with the tools to live your dream through elite training, premium supplements, and the entrepreneurial mindset. Learn the science, embrace resilience, and unlock your limitless potential”, as per the official website. The organization also provides ‘Elite Coaching Programs’ aimed to “redefine your fitness, health, and success with long-term planning and accountability”.

“The trajectory he’s on, it’s only upwards from here,” a voice narrated, talking about Steveson. “I’m an entertainer, but first I win matches,” the Olympian said in the next scene, before the video cut to a string of the 24-year-old’s winning performances. Even the caption didn’t shy away from letting the world know how Gable is the best. “Gable’s remarkable achievements in the wrestling world, including his stunning performance at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where he brought home the gold medal, exemplify the dedication, resilience, and unyielding work ethic that #NBOlife stands for,” it read before adding…

“Known for his unmatched talent and relentless drive, Gable has proven that hard work truly pays off. As a member of the #NBOlife team, Gable will inspire and motivate our community to push their limits, stay committed, and embrace the journey toward greatness. His journey from the wrestling mat to the world stage is a powerful testament to the belief that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.”

“Join me in welcoming Gable Steveson! Together, we will embody the spirit of “Never Be Outworked” and strive for excellence in all aspects of life. Stay tuned for more updates and exciting collaborations ahead!” the caption concluded.

Having said that, Stevenson’s addition to NBO establishes more than a standard product promotion since it demonstrates his achievements extend past athletic competition. Honestly, we cannot really think of anyone else than him who has so effortlessly dominated NCAA competition and bagged an Olympic medal at the same time. Now, as a member of the #NBOlife team, he has just unlocked a whole new world of possibilities and if we know anything about the 24-year-old, he will just crush it, no matter what!

Interestingly, Steveson has also enjoyed a NIL deal with WWE in the past.

The narrative about his commitment combined with his ability to persevere shows how success evolves beyond standard definitions.

With an undefeated record and #1 ranking, Gable Steveson’s perfect farewell

Gable Steveson provided his hometown fans at Maturi Pavilion with a final grand performance which perfectly reflected his status as champion. 5,307 fans in attendance! That’s a huge number! As Steveson competed against Ben Kueter, who held position 11 in wrestling rankings, he delivered four takedowns during a technical fall contest that lasted only 2 minutes and 48 seconds, while obtaining seven near-fall points. Although, the team as a whole faced an embarrassing 23-11 defeat, Steveson’s reputation remained pristine. If anything, it got even better. 

With his 19-3 technical fall, the Olympic champion pushed his home winning streak to 63 victories and remained unbeaten in all competitions in his home turf. “It was just a great experience,” Steveson said. “I’m glad everybody showed up. … I’m glad I could go out with an undefeated home record and do my thing.” One last masterpiece in front of the fans who had watched him become a legend.

In addition to this, his dominance continues to earn recognition at the highest level. Stevenson’s athletic resume stands powerful because of his 96-2 career record. To sweeten the deal, his historic 63-match win streak rating as the third best in program history. But there is more to achieve. Gable Steveson has been shortlisted for the AAU Sullivan Award, which is given to the country’s most mind-blowing amateur athlete. Although his fans are surely rooting for him, he shall face tough competition for 38 semi finalists.

Will Gable Steveson be able to claim the prestigious award? And now with his decision to sign a deal with NBO, what more does the future hold for him?