Veteran wrestler and 2012 Olympic gold‑medalist Jordan Burroughs is using his upcoming Real American Freestyle (RAF) debut in Cleveland to discuss the limited post‑collegiate options for wrestlers and the league’s promise of longevity for athletes past their prime.
RAF offers a second chance for older competitors
Speaking on Fox & Friends as RAF marks its one‑year anniversary on Fox Nation, Burroughs emphasized that at 38 he is “past my prime” but still eager to compete. He noted that most Olympians and world‑championship team members are between 25 and 30 years old, making his participation a rare example of an older athlete receiving a platform to showcase his skills.
Burroughs praised RAF for creating “sustainability” in freestyle wrestling, a sport traditionally dominated by younger competitors. He contrasted the league’s model with the many professional wrestling promotions that have failed over the years, saying RAF’s focus on long‑term athlete development sets it apart.
Limited pathways after college wrestling
According to Burroughs, the transition from college wrestling to a viable professional career is narrow. “Most wrestlers start at a very young age, but post‑collegiately you don’t really have a lot of options,” he explained. He described how many former wrestlers end up training at mixed‑martial‑arts or jiu‑jitsu studios where the average participant is 30‑40 years old, a demographic shift that can dilute the pure wrestling skill set.
RAF, he said, aims to “create a way to sustain excellence over a long period of time,” offering a competitive environment that respects the sport’s heritage while adapting to athletes’ evolving needs.
Burroughs’ decorated career
Burroughs’ résumé includes two NCAA titles with the Nebraska Cornhuskers, a gold medal in the 74‑kilogram freestyle event at the 2012 London Olympics, six world championship titles, three Pan American Games gold medals, and multiple Pan American Wrestling Championships victories. He holds the U.S. record for the most combined World and Olympic gold medals, totaling seven, according to USA Wrestling.
His achievements underscore why his endorsement of RAF carries weight among wrestlers seeking a viable post‑collegiate path.
Upcoming Cleveland event
The league’s first Cleveland showcase is scheduled for August 22. Fans can stream the event through Fox Nation, which offers on‑demand access for subscribers. The promotion highlights the league’s commitment to bringing high‑level freestyle wrestling to new markets while providing veteran athletes a platform to compete alongside rising talent.
Burroughs’ comments reflect a broader conversation within the wrestling community about preserving the sport’s integrity, expanding opportunities for athletes of all ages, and ensuring that the Olympic‑style discipline remains vibrant beyond the traditional competition window.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
