The wrestling community was sent into a state of disbelief on August 26, when former Penn State wrestler and three-time NCAA champion Jason Nolf announced his retirement. The Nittany Lions, who were recently embroiled in a ‘greasing’ controversy following Nolf’s defeat against Tye Ruotolo in the Craig Jones Invitational, took to Instagram to announce he was hanging his boots. “So this is the official announcement. I thought that this would be a great place to do it. I think it’s very fitting being on the Athletes Ocean podcast to announce that I am retiring from sports wrestling,” said the 2022 World Cup champion. At just 28 years of age, Nolf’s decision came as a shocker to both his fans and the wrestling community at large.

Nolf established himself as a dominant force in wrestling with his impeccable record spread across all major wrestling tournaments. The former Penn State wrestler had a perfect 13-0 record during 2016–17 that helped his team win three back-to-back national championships from 2017 to 2019 at 157 lbs. But 2024 proved to be a disappointment for an otherwise illustrious career. First, Kyle Dake shattered his Olympic dreams by eliminating him in the trial back in April. Next, Nolf had big hopes for the $1 million Craig Jones Invitational. Not only did Tye Ruotolo defeat him in the first round, but he also accused him of greasing.

However, Nolf must have found some consolation in the appreciative words of former college wrestler John Broughton, who praised his performance and wrote, “Jiu-jitsu world you have @JASONNOLF to worry about now… Good luck.” This took place after announcing his retirement from wrestling, when Jason Nolf revealed his plans to focus on Brazilian jiu-jitsu as he relocates to Austin, Texas, where he also intends to start a wrestling club at Round Rock High School, continuing his passion for coaching and developing young talent in the sport. Now, his retirement announcement has wrestlers lining up to shower him with praise for his illustrious wrestling career.

A wave of admiration and respect for the Nittany Lion, Jason Nolf

Nolf’s shocking announcement created a social media frenzy, with fans lining up with heartfelt messages. Nolf’s Instagram post celebrating his retirement announcement was soon flooded with words of admiration, respect, and gratitude for the legendary Nittany Lion. Alongside fans, fellow wrestlers also joined the chorus of farewells for the two-time U.S. national champion in the 74 kg weight category. Roman Bravo Young, the three-time Grand Prix winner in 57 kg, acknowledged how Nolf’s journey had been nothing but inspiring, sharing his own experience with the following words: “Inspired me, changed the game fo sho. Much love bro.”

Anthony Cassar, the NCAA Division I Champion in 285 lbs, expressed the same sentiments, calling Nolf an inspiration for all: “You inspired and motivated us all brother. God’s plan next.” Carter Starocci, a rising freestyle wrestler with four NCAA Division I titles under his belt, simply responded with “Legende,” acknowledging Nolf’s iconic status. Bryce Meredith added, “Forever a Champ,” highlighting Nolf’s extraordinary career and accomplishments. Lastly, the 7-time ADCC Submission wrestling world champion, Gordon King Rayan, came up with an acknowledgment for the 2x Big Ten Champion.

“Do jj now,” he said, emphasizing the way for wrestling fans to keep enjoying Jason Nolf’s magic for a few more years. All in all, the outpouring of gratitude from the wrestling community stands testament to Nolf’s enduring legacy and the respect he has garnered within the sport.