Grey Zabel, the North Dakota State offensive lineman, was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. This player, who helped his NCAA school win a championship in 2024, could’ve pursued a different path in life, such as becoming an MLB star or even a farmer. Despite his athletic abilities and success in high school as a three-sport athlete, Zabel ultimately chose to focus on football and commit to playing for North Dakota State University. Not really sure why this matters, but Zabel had the chance to explore other opportunities, including signing NIL deals, but decided to stick with his passion for football.
Zabel’s decision to pursue a career in the NFL was not the only interesting aspect of his life. In 2024, he achieved his dream of starting his own farm after leasing 245 acres of land. Growing up on his family’s farm, Zabel found similarities between farming and football, emphasizing the importance of hard work and dedication in both endeavors. Maybe it’s just me, but it’s quite impressive to see a professional athlete balancing his passion for the sport with his agricultural pursuits. Despite his success in farming, Zabel couldn’t resist the opportunity to be drafted in the first round of the NFL, especially after helping his NCAA team secure a national championship victory.
The Seattle Seahawks showed confidence in Zabel by making him the highest-drafted guard for the franchise in nearly two decades. With his background in farming and his achievements in college football, Zabel brings a unique perspective and work ethic to the team. It remains to be seen how Zabel’s diverse experiences will impact his performance in the NFL, but one thing is for sure – this player’s journey from the fields of North Dakota to the football field is nothing short of remarkable.
