local
Steve Zabel, 2-way player in college and NFL, dies at 78
By Bob D'Angelo, Cox Media Group National Content Desk at WSB-TV (ABC) - News
· June 25, 2026
· 3 min read
Steve Zabel, a two-way player who starred at Oklahoma and played 10 seasons in the NFL, died on Tuesday. He was 78.Read more trending newsNo cause of death was given.Zabel was Oklahoma’s last two-way player, excelling at tight end and linebacker, NBC Sports reported. He also punted for the Sooner...
Key takeaway He was an All-American in 1969 and a two-time Big 8 champion, KOCO reported.
Why this matters in The Atlanta
The passing of Steve Zabel, a legendary two-way player, resonates with Atlanta 's football community, where the intersection of college and professional football is a significant part of the local sports landscape. As a city with a strong presence of college football fans, particularly those who follow the Oklahoma Sooners and other regional teams, Zabel's achievements serve as a reminder of the impressive talent that has emerged from the collegiate ranks. His transition from a tight end to a linebacker in the NFL also highlights the adaptability and perseverance required to succeed at the professional level, traits that are likely to inspire local football players and enthusiasts. With the city's own football teams and enthusiasts likely to take note of Zabel's legacy, his impact will be felt beyond his playing career, influencing the way local players and coaches approach the game.
About this story
Original reporting by WSB-TV (ABC) - News . The Atlanta surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSB-TV (ABC) - News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 25, 2026 ·
Source: WSB-TV (ABC) - News ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Steve Zabel, a two-way player who starred at Oklahoma and played 10 seasons in the NFL, died on Tuesday. He was 78.Read more trending newsNo cause of death was given.Zabel was Oklahoma’s last two-way player, excelling at tight end and linebacker, NBC Sports reported. He also punted for the Sooner...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 25, 2026 by WSB-TV (ABC) - News and curated for The Atlanta readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Bob D'Angelo, Cox Media Group National Content Desk at WSB-TV (ABC) - News. To learn more about how The Atlanta selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Atlanta, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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