Former Texas A&M Football Player Joins USA Bobsled Team for Milano Cortina Olympics

Boone Niederhofer, a walk-on turned scholarship player for the Aggies, is part of the 4-man bobsled team representing the United States.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 2:55pm

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Boone Niederhofer, a former Texas A&M football player, has been named to the USA Bobsled team that will compete at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. Niederhofer, who played wide receiver for the Aggies, took up bobsledding in 2019 and has worked his way onto the national team, including helping the U.S. finish fourth at the 2025 IBSF Bobsled World Championships.

Why it matters

Niederhofer's journey from college football player to Olympic bobsledder highlights the diverse athletic talents of former college athletes and the opportunities available through programs like USA Bobsled to compete on the world stage. His story also showcases the support of his employer, Civitas Resources, in allowing him to pursue his Olympic dreams.

The details

Niederhofer, a Midland, Texas resident, is one of four Texans named to the 4-man USA Bobsled team for the 2026 Winter Olympics. He earned his spot on the team through a combination of strong performances, including a fourth-place finish at the 2025 World Championships, as well as discretionary points. Niederhofer took up bobsledding in 2019, three years after graduating from Texas A&M, where he was a walk-on who later earned a scholarship playing wide receiver.

  • Niederhofer attended a bobsled combine at Texas A&M in 2019.
  • He made his IBSF World Cup debut in 2021.
  • The 4-man bobsled events at the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics start on February 21.

The players

Boone Niederhofer

A former Texas A&M football player who is now part of the 4-man USA Bobsled team competing at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics.

Frank Del Duca

A member of the 4-man USA Bobsled team competing at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics.

Josh Williamson

A member of the 4-man USA Bobsled team competing at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics.

Bryan Sosoo

A member of the 4-man USA Bobsled team competing at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics.

Civitas Resources

The independent energy company where Boone Niederhofer works as a production engineer and has supported his pursuit of the Olympics.

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What they’re saying

“It's been, honestly, pretty surreal. After not making the games in '22, it's been quite the journey to get back here and, honestly, just the Lord truly paved the way for me to get back here – from the support of my employer, to friends and family and obviously, the support of my wife. It's been an adventure, and I'm just truly honored to get to represent my country at the Olympics.”

— Boone Niederhofer

“I am honored and thrilled to get to represent my country and my family at the Olympic Games. I am most excited that my kids will get to live through this experience. I hope my journey gives them courage to chase after their dreams, push through adversity when you don't have success, and give glory to Jesus. The fact that I've even had the opportunity to compete over the past few seasons, let alone be named to the Olympic team, is truly unbelievable.”

— Boone Niederhofer

What’s next

The bobsled events at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics will begin with heats on February 21.

The takeaway

Niederhofer's journey from college football player to Olympic bobsledder showcases the diverse athletic talents of former college athletes and the opportunities available through programs like USA Bobsled to compete on the world stage, even after their initial sport careers have ended.