New Orleans—The New Orleans Saints announced that rookie wide receiver Brock Rechsteiner will miss the first six games of the 2026 NFL season after violating the league’s performance‑enhancing drug policy. The suspension comes on the heels of a highly publicized training‑camp altercation with the Dallas Cowboys, during which Rechsteiner displayed several German suplexes and other wrestling maneuvers.
Training‑camp incident draws attention
During a routine practice session earlier this week, Rechsteiner, the son of WWE Hall of Famer Scott Steiner and nephew of Rick Steiner, became involved in a scuffle with several Cowboys players. Video footage released by the team showed him lifting an opponent and executing a German suplex before teammates intervened. The incident quickly spread on social media, prompting commentary from former NFL player and sports‑talk host Pat McAfee.
Pat McAfee’s endorsement
On his weekly show, McAfee praised the young athlete’s “Steiner‑style” aggression, saying, “This is Scott Steiner’s boy doing Rick Steiner’s German suplex—he needs to head to NXT right now and join Bron (Breakker). The Steiner Brothers could make a comeback.” McAfee, who previously worked as a WWE commentator, highlighted the family’s wrestling pedigree, noting that Rechsteiner’s cousin, Bron Breakker, is a rising star in WWE slated to face Oba Femi on September 6.
College and professional background
Rechsteiner entered the NFL after a productive college career at Jacksonville State, where he recorded 53 catches for 629 yards and seven touchdowns from 2023 to 2025. In his final season with the Gamecocks, he added 36 receptions for 383 yards and five touchdowns. He initially signed with the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent before joining the Saints.
Family NIL deals and future prospects
Both Brock and his brother Brandon signed name‑image‑likeness (NIL) agreements with WWE last year, reflecting the family’s deep ties to professional wrestling. Brandon, a former guard for the Colorado State Rams men’s basketball team, averaged 12 points per game in the 2025‑26 season before announcing a transfer to Kansas State.
Impact of the suspension
The six‑game suspension reduces the Saints’ depth at wide receiver heading into a competitive season. Coach Dennis Allen emphasized that the team will rely on veteran players and other rookies to fill the void while Rechsteiner serves his penalty. The NFL’s policy on performance‑enhancing substances is strict, and the league’s disciplinary committee confirmed the suspension after reviewing the case.
Community reaction
Local fans expressed mixed feelings. Some praised Rechsteiner’s physicality and family legacy, while others urged the team to prioritize discipline and health standards. The incident also sparked conversation about the role of aggressive training practices in professional sports.
As the Saints prepare for the upcoming season, all eyes will be on how the team adjusts its offensive strategy without Rechsteiner’s contributions and whether his wrestling background might eventually lead him to a dual career in the NFL and WWE.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
