Steve Zabel: key obituary facts
Is Steve Zabel dead? Yes. Steve Zabel died on June 24, 2026, at age 78.
Cause of death: Steve Zabel's cause of death has not been publicly confirmed.
What was Steve Zabel known for?
He was known as American football player (born 1948).
More about Steve Zabel
Born: 20 March 1948.
Place of birth: Minneapolis.
Gender: male.
Nationality: United States.
Education: Thornton High School.
Career began: 1970.
Career ended: 1979.
Also known as: Steven Gregory Zabel.
Steve Zabel, an American football player who played linebacker and tight end in the NFL, died on June 24, 2026, at age 78.
Born in Minneapolis on March 20, 1948, Zabel was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the first round of the 1970 NFL draft, sixth overall, after playing college football for the Oklahoma Sooners. He spent a 10-year professional career with the Eagles, New England Patriots and Baltimore Colts, appearing in 124 games and starting 95, with six interceptions and 13 fumble recoveries.
Zabel also opened parts of the 1970 and 1971 seasons at tight end, finishing with 10 receptions for 123 yards and three touchdowns, and was named to the Patriots’ 1970s All-Decade Team.