30 Facts About Gable Steveson

Early Life and Family Background

Gable Dan Steveson has a story that begins with a strong family influence and a move that would shape his future.

1. Birth and Early Life: Born on May 31, 2000, in Portage, Indiana, Gable Dan Steveson was named after the legendary wrestler Dan Gable.

2. Family Background: Wrestling runs in the Steveson family. Gable has two older brothers who inspired him to start wrestling as soon as he could walk.

3. Move to Minnesota: The Steveson family relocated to Apple Valley, Minnesota, when Gable was in the seventh grade. This move was strategic, allowing him and his brother Bobby to compete for the powerhouse Apple Valley High School.

High School Dominance

Gable's high school career was nothing short of spectacular, marked by an impressive winning streak and numerous titles.

4. High School Career: At just 13 years old, Gable entered the 2014 MSHSL state finals with a 39–2 record, ultimately finishing second. This would be the last match he lost in high school.

5. State Titles and Streak: After his eighth-grade season, Gable went on to win four state titles and maintained a 171-match win streak. His last two state tournament championship matches lasted a combined 28 seconds.

6. Awards and Recognition: For his 2017 performance, Gable received the Junior Schalles Award for best high school pinner. The next year, he was named the Junior Hodge Trophy winner.

College Career and Achievements

Gable's transition to college wrestling saw him continue his dominance, earning numerous accolades and titles.

7. College Career: Gable attended the University of Minnesota, where he became a dominant force in college wrestling. He was named the Big Ten Athlete of the Year in 2022.

8. National Championships: Gable won two National championships during his college career, showcasing his exceptional talent on the mat.

9. Big-Ten Conference Championships: He also claimed three Big-Ten Conference championships, further solidifying his status as a top wrestler.

10. Dan Hodge Trophies: Gable won two Dan Hodge Trophies, often referred to as the Heisman Trophy of college wrestling.

Olympic Glory

Gable's wrestling prowess reached its peak when he competed on the world stage at the Olympics.

11. Olympic Gold Medalist: Gable claimed gold in the freestyle wrestling event at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, making him an Olympic gold medalist.

Professional Wrestling and WWE

Gable's talents extended beyond amateur wrestling, leading him to the world of professional wrestling.

12. Professional Wrestling Career: In 2021, Gable signed a NIL deal with WWE, marking his entry into professional wrestling.

13. WWE Debut: He made his WWE debut at WrestleMania 38 and appeared on WWE Smackdown for Kurt Angle’s birthday celebration.

14. Gold Rush Edition of NXT: Gable's first appearance at the Gold Rush edition of NXT was highly anticipated.

15. Backstage Segment: He also appeared in a backstage segment alongside Eddy Thorpe, giving advice on how to beat Damon Kemp, his real-life older brother.

16. Release from WWE: Despite his initial success, Gable was released from his WWE contract in May 2024 after only one poorly-received televised match.

Transition to Football

After his stint in WWE, Gable made a surprising transition to the NFL.

17. Transition to Football: Following his release from WWE, Gable signed a three-year deal with the Buffalo Bills of the NFL in May 2024.

18. NFL Debut: Gable is set to play defensive line for the Buffalo Bills, a position he has never explored before.

19. Coach’s Perspective: Bills head coach Sean McDermott, with a championship background in high school wrestling, identified Gable as a potential game-changer at defensive line.

20. Contract Details: Gable signed a standard rookie three-year contract with the Buffalo Bills.

21. Personal Gratitude: Gable expressed deep gratitude to Coach McDermott, General Manager Beane, and the Buffalo Bills organization for granting him this opportunity.

Physical Attributes and Challenges

Gable's physical stature and past experiences have both helped and challenged him in his athletic career.

22. Height and Weight: Gable stands at 6 feet 1 inch and weighs 265 pounds, a stature that has served him well in wrestling but may require adjustments in football.

23. Sexual Assault Allegations: In 2019, Gable and a Minnesota teammate were arrested on suspicion of criminal sexual misconduct. However, they did not face criminal charges due to a lack of adequate evidence.

Wrestling Achievements

Gable's wrestling career is filled with numerous accolades and championships.

24. College Wrestling Achievements: Throughout his college career at the University of Minnesota, Gable amassed an impressive resume, including two National championships and three Big-Ten Conference championships.

25. Freestyle Record: In freestyle wrestling, Gable claimed multiple age-group World Championships.

26. Folkstyle Success: Gable was also a two-time gold medalist in folkstyle wrestling, winning two National championships and being named the Dan Hodge Trophy winner twice.

27. Junior World Championships: Gable claimed the Junior World Championships in 2017 at the 120 kg weight class.

28. Cadet World Championships: At the Cadet World Championships in 2015 and 2016, Gable won gold medals in the 100 kg and 120 kg weight classes respectively.

29. Pan American Championships: Gable won gold at the 2021 Pan American Championships in Guatemala City.

30. USA Wrestling Team Trials: In 2021, Gable declined his automatic World Team spot at 125 kg for the World Championships.

Gable Steveson's Remarkable Journey

Gable Steveson's story is nothing short of extraordinary. From his early days in Portage, Indiana, to becoming an Olympic gold medalist and a college wrestling legend, Steveson has shown incredible talent and determination. His transition to professional wrestling with WWE and now to the NFL with the Buffalo Bills highlights his versatility and drive to succeed in multiple arenas. Despite facing challenges, including legal issues and a brief, rocky stint in WWE, Steveson remains a figure of inspiration for many young athletes. His journey underscores the power of hard work, resilience, and the willingness to explore new opportunities. As he steps onto the football field, fans and followers eagerly await to see how his wrestling prowess translates to the gridiron. Gable Steveson’s legacy continues to grow, proving that with dedication, the sky's the limit.