Steve Zabel, NFL tight end and linebacker, dies at 78
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 25, 2026, 12:41 PM
Last updated Jun 25, 2026
Steve Zabel, a former NFL player known for his versatility as a tight end and linebacker, has died at the age of 78. Zabel played college football at Oklahoma and was the last two-way player from the program. He was selected sixth overall by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 1970 NFL Draft. During his career, he was traded to the New England Patriots and later played for the Baltimore Colts. After retiring, Zabel focused on coaching and charity work, particularly helping homeless individuals in Oklahoma City.
- •Zabel was Oklahoma's last two-way player before joining the NFL.
- •He was drafted by the Eagles and later played for the Patriots and Colts.
- •Zabel became a labor organizer after his playing career.
- •He focused on charitable work in Oklahoma City post-retirement.
- •His negotiation experiences influenced player advocacy efforts.
- 10:06 AMYahoo Sports — Steve Zabel, former OU football All-American and NFL vet, dies at 68
- 12:41 PMYahoo Sports — Steve Zabel, throwback two-way player, dies at 78
"Steve Zabel, a tight end and pass rusher who was Oklahoma's last two-way player and then played both positions in the NFL, has died at the age of 78.
"Former Oklahoma Sooners football star Steve Zabel has died at age 78. He was a rare two-way player in college before a 10-year NFL career.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 27, 2026, 10:06 AMSteve Zabel, former OU football All-American and NFL vet, dies at 68
Former Oklahoma Sooners football star Steve Zabel has died at age 78. He was a rare two-way player in college before a 10-year NFL career.
- Yahoo SportsJun 25, 2026, 12:41 PMSteve Zabel, throwback two-way player, dies at 78
Steve Zabel, a tight end and pass rusher who was Oklahoma's last two-way player and then played both positions in the NFL, has died at the age of 78.
Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
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