Despite Failing to Emulate Brock Lesnar, Bills’ Gable Stevenson’s Wrestling Roots Might Prevent a Dark Future in the NFL

The land of Minnesota watched two of its talented sons doing wanders on the ring. While Brock Lesnar, the standout from Minnesota Golden Gopher, made his fame in the WWE and UFC, Gable Stevenson earned his part in the NCAA from the University of Minnesota and later in the Rio Olympics as a gold medal. Rather, Gable Stevenson had been inspired by the former. The proof was visible when they had met for the first time in The MMA Hour. 

The freestyle wrestler couldn’t hide his awe after watching the ‘6’3”-6’4” dude’ in front of him. But later, it turned into a submission: “It’s cool to have that mentor, that role model in my life and have him do everything that I want to do in such a dominating fashion, it’s cool because he can tell me how he did it and things I can do better”. However, such a fandom and bond couldn’t result in a complete emulation as Gable Stevenson is moving toward a better side now. But how are things working for the Olympian uniquely when the two are bound to be on a similar path? 

Gable Stevenson is moving uniquely to a different milestone 

In a fresh update from ESPN, Gable Stevenson’s next station is NFL while Buffalo Bills is roping him in for the next three years. He will play in the defensive position, quite contrary to his attacking persona. However, coach Sean McDermott is hopeful of his probable success. And what about the man of the hour? Gable is looking forward to “seeing how my [Gable Stevenson] wrestling skills may translate to football.” The news came after Gable Stevenson had to part ways with WWE in May. As per the critics, he followed his mentor, Brock Lesnar, to WWE soon after his Tokyo Olympics victory. But in the next duration, nothing glorious waited for him there. 

His initial months in WWE had been spent under the limelight. The fans started to tout him as the next Brock Lesnar for hailing the same Minnesota iron bands and nurturing a special bond with the former WWE World Heavyweight champion. However, the fanfare couldn’t continue as the 24-year-old wrestler failed to reflect on his mastery. Such a lackluster show could only result in his omission from the roster. Later, the news of his entry into WWE NXT garnered some hope among wrestling fans. But those hopes remained short-lived as he faced the same fate. For the rest of the duration, Gable Stevenson did not receive a chance on the ring. In May, the WWE showed the former NCAA champion the exit gate. The entire fiasco equaled him with Brock Lesnar’s ending in his NFL career. 

Yes, Brock Lesnar had once tried his strength in the defensive tackle for the Minnesota Vikings and surprisingly, that change of suit came after his exit from WWE in 2004. But in his newly found avatar, Brock couldn’t reflect on his stature. Rather, his failure could result in his rejection only after appearing in a few pre-season games. He never found the entry in the regular NFL season. But for Gable Stevenson, the stars are showing differently than his mentor. Furthermore, wrestling fans are already noticing silver linings that might give Gable an extra tinge of hope for his future. 

The way forward to be among the giants 

While moving forward, Gable Stevenson can match up with several big names who started their leagues in college wrestling but later rubbed shoulders with NFL bigwigs. Stephen Neal from the CSUB may come the closest. 

While he was holding the assistant wrestling coaching role for CSUB, Darryl Pope often touted Stephen Neal as the lightweight, despite his choice of category, heavyweight. The reason had been his feathery techniques which shifted him from the tag of being world champion to the offensive line for the Patriots. Eventually, the episodes from never fielded in football to becoming the starting member against Tom Brady speak for him. Well, Gable Stevenson has a chance to follow in Stephen Neal’s footsteps. 

Carlton Haselrig has had quite a career. The legend started his collegiate career as a football player to feature in the NFL. But later on, his knee injury landed him in the NCAA wrestling career. In subsequent years, the Pennsylvania native wrote a new form of success with six NCAA wrestling titles and 122 wins in consecutive matches in the NCAA. But in the turn of fate, Haselrig entered the Pittsburgh Steelers NFL team without playing football in his senior year in high school. His coachable side earned him a call-up in the Pro Bowl for the Steelers. Gable Stevenson might take note of such fame. 

Adam Coon may also find an entry in the same row. The former Michigan wrestler said yes after receiving a call from the Titans in 2021. However, he had previous experience with his school football team. But in his collegiate years, Coon had remained thoroughly engaged in wrestling. Yet after missing the Tokyo Olympic team, he shifted to the NFL. In 2023, he found himself in the XFL, appearing for the Seattle Sea Dragon. Such a versatile career and comparison to look up to! 

Gable Stevenson had several call-ups from the NFL teams, as per his manager, Carter Chow. However, the Buffalo Bills hold a reputation for cultivating players from different sports into its rungs. Meanwhile, Gable has become the second Olympic gold medalist after Bob Hayes to win a Super Bowl ring. Now, he is on his way to unearth the due success.