Minnesota

Olympic champion wrestler Gable Steveson ends retirement, returns to University of Minnesota

Published

1 month ago

November 12, 2024

Olympic champion wrestler Gable Steveson ends retirement, returns to University of Minnesota

Gable Steveson, who won a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, said Tuesday he is coming out of retirement and will return to the University of Minnesota for a fifth and final season of college wrestling.

Steveson won gold as a freestyle heavyweight in Tokyo at age 21, then won his second national title at Minnesota in 2022 before retiring.

Now 24, the two-time Hodge Trophy winner as the nation’s top collegiate wrestler returns on a 52-match win streak.

“Minnesota has given me everything, and now it’s my turn to give it right back to them: to put my feet back on the wrestling mat, to be the champ, one more time,” Steveson said in a video announcing his comeback.

Steveson has an extra year of eligibility because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Minnesota said he is expected to make his season debut on Nov. 24 against Campbell.

“Gable has the burning desire to compete for the Maroon and Gold one last time,” Eggum said. “We are thankful he has chosen the opportunity to add to his historic legacy with our program. He is one of the best to ever compete in the sport of wrestling, and we are grateful for the impact has had at our program.”

Steveson tried professional wrestling with World Wrestling Entertainment and performed up mostly in NXT, the company’s developmental brand. After his release this year, he tried out for the NFL’s Buffalo Bills despite never having played organized football. He did not make the roster.

He has continued to train with Minnesota wrestling coach Brandon Eggum, and considered trying to compete in the Paris Olympics before deciding against it.

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Minnesota

NEXT Weather: 10 p.m. report for Minnesota on Dec. 25, 2024

Published

1 hour ago

December 26, 2024

Press Room

NEXT Weather: 10 p.m. report for Minnesota on Dec. 25, 2024 – CBS Minnesota

Watch CBS News

WCCO meteorologist Lisa Meadows says rain will move in late Thursday and stick around into the weekend.

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Minnesota

MSU Alum Having Career Year for Minnesota Vikings

Published

12 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Press Room

MSU Alum Having Career Year for Minnesota Vikings

Former Michigan State wide receiver and current Minnesota Viking Jalen Nailor has been terrific in his third season in the pros. As the third wide receiver on the field alongside Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, Nailor has improved his career numbers in his now third year in the league.

Drafted in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of MSU, the Vikings landed a strong piece to an even stronger offense in the Vikings. Nailor’s efforts since joining the Vikings have provided the franchise comfort knowing he is out on the field.

In his first season, Nailor played in 15 games, recording nine receptions in 13 targets. He posted 179 receiving yards in his rookie campaign, averaging 19.9 yards per reception. Receiving seven first downs in Year 1, the Vikings looked to get Nailor more involved on the roster in Year 2.

Though the team wanted to get more out of Nailor, they were unable to due to Nailor’s lack of time on the field. In his second season, Nailor only played in six games. In the six games, Nailor totaled only three receptions that went for 29 receiving yards. Nailor received one first down on the season before he was inactive in Weeks 15, 16 and 17.

In what would be a do-or-die season after a lackluster second-season campaign, Nailor made sure he reminded Viking fans why he belonged. Playing in 15 games for the Vikings this season, Nailor has dropped career highs in four different statistical categories. MSU fans should be proud of their former Spartan.

Nailor has 20 receptions, which is one of his new career highs, and he has totaled 280 yards, averaging 14 yards per reception. His best game on the season came against the Detroit Lions back in Week 7, where he recorded four receptions in five targets and got 76 receiving yards, averaging 19 yards per reception.

As the Vikings approach the postseason, Nailor should be a key piece to a deep playoff run if the Vikings make it as far. Minnesota, going into Week 17, has a record of 13-2 and should continue to be a force to take seriously for whoever it faces in the playoffs.

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