Former Eagles, Patriots, Colts Linebacker Steve Zabel Dies at 78
Summary
Steve Zabel, a former NFL player who spent 10 years as a linebacker with the Philadelphia Eagles, New England Patriots, and Baltimore Colts, has died at age 78. He was originally drafted as a tight end but was converted to linebacker early in his career and later earned recognition for his defensive plays.Key Facts
- Steve Zabel played 10 years in the NFL from 1970 to 1979.
- He started as a tight end but quickly switched to linebacker with the Philadelphia Eagles.
- Zabel was drafted sixth overall in the 1970 NFL Draft after playing college football at the University of Oklahoma.
- He played for the Eagles (1970-74), Patriots (1975-78), and Colts (1979).
- Zabel was named the Patriots' most valuable defensive player in his second season with the team.
- He was selected to the New England Patriots’ all-decade team for the 1970s.
- Zabel retired after witnessing a teammate suffer a serious injury and later started a nonprofit in his hometown.
- He was inducted into the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame in 2015.
- Zabel is survived by his wife, three children, several grandchildren, and a great-grandchild.
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