If you thought that Gable Steveson going from being an NCAA stalwart and an Olympian to becoming part of the gridiron was something unique to him, then you just might be wrong. Why? Well, just like Gable, a new technician of the mat, one who also represented Team USA at the grandest of the Olympics in 2024, is thinking of making that switch. From singlets to the shoulder pads and helmet, this NCAA grappler is eager for this bold change, but the mat faithful might not be too happy about this choice.

After all, this isn’t just a career change. To the mat faithful, it is very much an act of turning your back on the sport itself. But to Mason Parris, the former Michigan Wolverines and 3-time Indiana High School state champion, this change is about going beyond his limits. Despite this, he hasn’t failed to send shockwaves through the sports world with his recent decision to pursue an NFL career.

It wasn’t that long ago, just weeks, really, that he was facing questions and even a bit of criticism for even thinking about football after such a stellar wrestling run. I mean, he’d just won gold at the 2023 Pan American Games and even made it to the round of 16 at the Paris Olympics! Yet, you can tell he’s undeterred. Mason confidently stepped onto the football field for the first time since his high school days as an All-State linebacker at Lawrenceburg High School, where he was a tackling machine.

His new proving ground? The LA Chargers’ rookie minicamp, a place where aspiring NFL players fight for their dreams. What incredible drive pushed him to take such a monumental leap? Mason even gave us a peek into his journey on Instagram, sharing his feelings: “LA Chargers Minicamp ⚡️ First time on the football field since high school. Grateful for this experience and the exact reset I needed.”

The post, along with photos of him proudly sporting Chargers gear, truly showed his deep commitment to this brand-new chapter. Mason was right there in the thick of it at the minicamp, going through drills and showcasing that same incredible athleticism that had already impressed everyone at Michigan’s Pro Day, where he excelled in defensive line, linebacker, and even fullback drills.

This wasn’t just some fleeting idea or a quick stunt—it was a carefully thought-out, powerful move to grab the attention of NFL teams. So, how is he possibly getting ready for such a massive shift in his athletic life? Can Mason Parris truly pull off something incredible and create a lasting legacy as a dual-sport superstar? Although his switch was not received well by some of the fans.

Mason Parris faces a slew of fan rage 

The wrestling world is still reeling from Mason Parris’s bronze medal at the 2023 World Championships, but now they’re wrestling with something else: his daring jump to football. Why are fans so incredibly torn about this move? For some, his football move felt like a real punch to the gut. “Annoying and very disappointing,” one fan fumed, perfectly capturing the feelings of those who see Mason’s shift as abandoning wrestling’s glory for a risky NFL gamble.

These are the fans who cheered his incredible 206-1 high school wrestling record and celebrated his three Indiana state titles. They feel like he’s turning his back on a sport where he’s already at the absolute top. But is their frustration truly fair? However, it’s not all slamming doors and criticism for Mason’s ambitions. Many fans are stepping up to defend his right to explore new challenges.

“He’s only allowed to pursue greatness in wrestling? He can’t try anything else while he’s in the peak of his athleticism?” one supporter argued passionately. They’re quick to point out Mason’s incredible versatility, reminding everyone that he was also an All-State linebacker in high school. At just 24, right in the prime of his athletic career, they see his NFL tryout as a completely logical step.

Can anyone truly fault Mason for wanting to test his limits? The financial side of things only adds more fuel to this fiery debate. “Not to mention, he can go and win 4 straight World & Olympic Golds through 2028 and he’d earn less than half ($400k) of what the NFL rookie salary is in 2025 ($840k),” a fan pointed out, highlighting the undeniable economic pull of football.

Mason hasn’t landed a contract yet, either from the Chargers or from his earlier workout with the Bengals. So, will his big gamble pay off, or will the disappointment among some fans just linger?