Former NFL Two-Way Player Steve Zabel Dead at 78
The NFL and college football world lost another good man this week as former two-way player Steve Zabel passed away. He was 78 years old.
Zabel was a standout tight end and wide receiver at the University of Oklahoma under Chuck Fairbanks, earning First-Team all-conference honors in 1968 and 1969 as well as All-American honors in 1968. The Philadelphia Eagles made him the No. 6 overall pick in the 1970 NFL Draft but soon realized he was just as valuable on defense as offense.
After one year as a tight end in Philly, Zabel was moved to linebacker and would stay in that position for the rest of his NFL career. In 1975, he joined the New England Patriots in a move that reunited him with Fairbanks - now the head coach of the team.
The team would set a franchise record with 11 wins in 1976, which stood all the way until 2003. But while the team made the playoffs twice in Zabel's four years with the team, they went 0-2 in those games.
He played his final NFL season for the Baltimore Colts in 1979 and was later named to the Patriots' 1970s All-Decade Team.
Tributes
Football fans have sent their condolences to Zabel and his family on social media:
"He caught the touchdown of my childhood, a 4th Quarter 30 yard bomb from Bob Warmack to beat Kansas in 1967. First time I ever saw Owen Field covered in oranges," one fan lamented on X.
"This one is heavy on my heart. He is one of the last true OG's. A two way player at OU and in the NFL. Steve Owens introduced us, he was always great to me. A true community hero! He created the TUG and was awesome to Blair and I at coaching clinics. Prayers UP 🙏 Rest Easy Zab," wrote another.
"One of the forgotten Eagles, saw him play both positions before becoming a Patriot," a third wrote.
Zabel's death was first reported by KOCO 5 in Oklahoma City. He leaves behind his wife, three children, grandchildren and a great-grandchild.
Our hearts go out to Zabel's family and loved ones.
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This story was originally published June 25, 2026 at 8:07 AM.