Mason Parris, an NCAA wrestling champion for Michigan and 2023 World Bronze Medalist, announced his return to the sport following a football stint. Parris spent time with the Los Angeles Chargers this summer as a fullback. A former all-state linebacker in Indiana, Parris did not play college football. He solely wrestled at Michigan, where he […]
Mason Parris, an NCAA wrestling champion for Michigan and 2023 World Bronze Medalist, announced his return to the sport following a football stint. Parris spent time with the Los Angeles Chargers this summer as a fullback.
A former all-state linebacker in Indiana, Parris did not play college football. He solely wrestled at Michigan, where he became a four-time All-American and a national champion during his final season.
Now, after giving football a shot under former Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh out in LA, he’s ready to get back on his Olympic journey. Parris will return to Ann Arbor to rep the Cliff Keen Wrestling Club in a run for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, ironically, where he just spent some time.
“This football journey was exactly what I needed at this time in my life,” Parris said on Instagram. “It was the change of pace I needed that gave me something new to train and strive toward. I knew this journey was going to be an uphill battle from the start, but it was a challenge I am glad I pursued. I am so grateful for all the players I have met and coaches who that have supported me. It was an amazing chapter of life of growth, healing, and reflection that I will look back on fondly. I will bring these lessons into the next phases of my life.
“With this, I am excited to say that I will be returning to the sport I love to strive for the 2028 LA Olympics. Now with no doubt in my mind I know where I belong. I have rejuvenated my desire to be the best in the world. I am more driven and hungrier than ever to reach my goals. I am returning to Cliff Keen Wrestling Club in Michigan to train to achieve these goals. Thank you God for the challenges and blessings in my life.”
Parris went 120-18 during his collegiate career, finishing in the Blood Round as a freshman at heavyweight. The following season, Parris was 27-1, only losing to Gable Steveson in the 2020 Big Ten finals. Steveson went on to win a Gold Medal at the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympics and recently finished his college career this March.
Parris followed it up with a 2021 runner-up finish to Steveson in the NCAA finals, before taking 5th in 2022. For his final season, Parris went an astounding 33-0, rolling his way to an NCAA title to cap his career at Michigan.
On the international scene, Parris won a Bronze Medal at the 2023 World Championships at 125 KG, as well as a Gold Medal at the 2024 Pan American Championships.
Last year, Parris had a bye into the best-of-three finals during the Olympic Trials. He defeated Hayden Zillmer 7-0 and 7-0 in two matches. However, Parris lost his first match of last year’s Olympics 10-5 to Mönkhtöriin Lkhagvagerel (Mongolia).
Since he was not pulled back into repechage, Parris’ Olympic dreams ended. But with a renewed focus on wrestling, he’ll be in contention for the 2028 spot in LA.
Category: Football
