Stephen Neal is one of the most accomplished heavyweight wrestlers of modern times.
In fact, his mat credentials may make him one of the best big men of ALL time.
Neal was a four-time All-American at Cal State Bakersfield. A three-time NCAA finalist. A two-time NCAA heavyweight champion (1998 & 1999). A World Freestyle Champion in 1999.
Now he’s hung up the singlet and strapped on the pads for the NFL New England Patriots, where he’s grabbing the attention of TV commentators everywhere for his toughness, balance and agility gained from the mat.
Stephen Neal is a great ambassador for the sport of wrestling. In addition to his accomplishments on the mat and on the gridiron, he’s a genuinely nice guy. I had the pleasure of meeting him at the official hotel for the 2001 World Team Trials in Cincinnati. He and the other wrestlers from California had just arrived and were checking in. He came over to Stu and I and chatted with us for awhile about everything under the sun, from the upcoming event to his lawsuit regarding Title IX. For a guy who’s 6’4 “and at the time weighed nearly 285 lbs, the phrase “gentle giant “comes to mind. One of the classiest, nicest big-time amatuer wrestlers I’ve met in person.
And now he takes his righful place among the greats at the NCAA Heavyweight Champs Yahoo group.
Here’s what you’ll find…
PHOTOS: You’ll find approximately 4 dozen photos of Stephen Neal in three galleries: College, Freestyle, and Off The Mat (which includes some NFL pics).
Photos
Wrestling Gear
