From gridiron to the Olympics: The unlikely journey of an SEC walk-on

Boone Niederhofer, a former Texas A&M wide receiver, is set to compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina, Italy, as a push athlete on Team USA's four-man bobsled team. Niederhofer, who made 29 receptions for 293 yards during the 2014 football season, saw his gridiron career end due to a torn ACL during his senior year. Transitioning from football to bobsledding, he first encountered the sport through a bobsled combine at Texas A&M in 2018, which led to his involvement in International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation competitions.

Despite facing setbacks, including missing the 2022 Winter Olympics and financial challenges, Niederhofer persisted in training while balancing a career and family life in Texas. His efforts culminated in making the U.S. Olympic bobsled team on January 19, 2026. At 32, Niederhofer continues to pursue athletic excellence, shifting from the football field to the