Grey Zabel's journey from South Dakota to Super Bowl 60

The Seahawks rookie left guard overcame small-town beginnings to become a key player in the big game

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Six years ago, Grey Zabel was a 245-pound offensive lineman from a small town in South Dakota. Now, the rookie left guard for the Seattle Seahawks is set to play a crucial role in Super Bowl 60 against the New England Patriots. Zabel's unlikely path from an FCS school to the NFL has inspired his hometown and shown that dreams can come true through hard work and determination.

Why it matters

Zabel's story highlights the potential for players from smaller programs and non-traditional backgrounds to succeed at the highest level of the sport. His journey challenges the notion that only top-tier recruits from major college programs can make it in the NFL, and serves as an inspiration for young athletes who may be overlooked or underestimated.

The details

After starring at the FCS level for North Dakota State, where he was part of multiple championship teams, Zabel was selected 18th overall by the Seahawks in the 2025 NFL Draft. He started all 17 games for Seattle in his rookie season and has continued to excel in the playoffs, helping the team reach the Super Bowl. Zabel's versatility, intelligence, and composure have impressed his coaches and teammates, who believe he has the potential to be an impact player for years to come.

  • Zabel was selected 18th overall by the Seahawks in the 2025 NFL Draft.
  • Zabel started all 17 games for the Seahawks in his rookie season in 2025.
  • Zabel and the Seahawks will face the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 60 on February 8, 2026.

The players

Grey Zabel

A 245-pound offensive lineman from South Dakota who was selected 18th overall by the Seattle Seahawks in the 2025 NFL Draft. Zabel has emerged as a key player for the Seahawks, starting all 17 games in his rookie season and helping the team reach the Super Bowl.

John Schneider

The general manager of the Seattle Seahawks, who praised Zabel's abilities and potential when the team drafted him in 2025.

Mike McDonald

The head coach of the Seattle Seahawks, who was excited about Zabel's selection and believes he has the potential to be a successful player in the NFL.

Klint Kubiak

The offensive coordinator of the Seattle Seahawks, who has been impressed with Zabel's mentality and work ethic since the rookie joined the team.

Leonard Williams

A veteran defensive lineman for the Seattle Seahawks, who has praised Zabel's humility and willingness to learn from the team's veteran players.

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What they’re saying

“We're gonna do whatever we can to help him be a successful player, to help us be a world championship team.”

— John Schneider, General Manager, Seattle Seahawks

“If you're gonna draft someone in the first round, you need that guy to start for you for 10 years. You're looking to see if this guy is tough enough to hang around, and is he willing to do the work. We knew Grey was.”

— Klint Kubiak, Offensive Coordinator, Seattle Seahawks (Sporting News)

“That's my guy. He's not your typical rookie. He came in as a humble kid. Willing and able to learn. He's not just picking his offensive line's brain. He's also going up to me, Jarran (Reed) and the veterans on the D-Line. You've just seen his development throughout whole the season.”

— Leonard Williams (Sporting News)

What’s next

The Seahawks and Grey Zabel will face the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 60 on February 8, 2026, where Zabel will look to help lead his team to a championship in his rookie season.

The takeaway

Grey Zabel's journey from a small town in South Dakota to the Super Bowl showcases the potential for players from non-traditional backgrounds to succeed at the highest level of the sport. His story serves as an inspiration for young athletes who may be overlooked or underestimated, and demonstrates that hard work, determination, and a strong mindset can help overcome any obstacles on the path to achieving one's dreams.