Former Philadelphia Eagles Defender Has Reportedly Died

Steve Zabel, the hard-hitting athlete whose intense playing style prompted the Philadelphia Eagles to shift him from tight end to linebacker early in his professional career, has died. He was 78 years old.

Zabel built a solid decade-long career in the National Football League, showcasing his adaptability and toughness across multiple teams.

Born in Minnesota, Zabel emerged as a standout multi-sport athlete during his high school days. He initially joined the University of Oklahoma football program as a defensive player but quickly made a name for himself on the offensive side. As a tight end for the Sooners from 1967 to 1969, he earned All-American honors in his final season and contributed to two Big Eight Conference championship teams.

The Philadelphia Eagles recognized his potential by selecting him with the sixth overall pick in the 1970 NFL Draft. The team allowed the rookie to start in eight games at tight end that first year. Yet, his fiery on-field demeanor soon revealed that his future might lie elsewhere on the roster.

“As a rookie tight end, I’d gotten kicked out of three games for fighting,” Zabel said back in 2021. “And at the end of the year, they told me they didn’t think I had the proper temperament to be successful on offense and wanted to move me to outside linebacker. I jumped at the opportunity.”

Philadelphia coaches experimented with Zabel at both left and middle linebacker positions throughout his five seasons with the franchise. He worked under three different head coaches during that period, demonstrating remarkable flexibility as he transitioned fully to the defensive side of the ball.

In 1975, Zabel joined the New England Patriots, where he reunited with his former college coach, Chuck Fairbanks. The move marked a new chapter, allowing him to thrive in a system familiar from his Oklahoma days. His impact became immediately noticeable through consistent production on defense.

During his debut season in New England, Zabel recorded 72 tackles, three sacks, and a fumble recovery. The following year stood out as one of his strongest performances, as he topped all Patriots linebackers with 88 tackles and received recognition as the team’s most valuable defensive player. These accomplishments later earned him a spot on the Patriots’ all-decade team for the 1970s.

Zabel wrapped up his NFL journey with the Baltimore Colts in 1979, concluding a career that spanned ten seasons with three different organizations. After his playing days, he reflected on the physical and emotional toll of the game, particularly after witnessing a devastating injury to a teammate.

In 2010, Zabel shared with a hometown publication in Edmond, Oklahoma, that seeing teammate Darryl Stingly paralyzed on the field motivated his decision to step away from football. He went on to establish a nonprofit organization in his adopted Oklahoma community, channeling his competitive spirit into community service.

Zabel’s contributions to sports in the state were formally recognized when he was inducted into the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame in 2015. His legacy endures through his on-field achievements and the example he set as a determined competitor who embraced change to maximize his abilities.

According to KOCO, Zabel is survived by his wife, three children, several grandchildren, and a great-grandchild.

His passing marks the end of a life defined by resilience, adaptability, and a deep passion for both athletics and service.