Steve Zabel: The Rare Two-Way Legend

Oklahoma Sooners Football Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jun 27, 2026 · 1m

A football legend has left us: Steve Zabel, the rare two-way star who thrived as both tight end and linebacker for the Oklahoma Sooners, died at 78. Recruited by Barry Switzer with promises of championships, Zabel became a national All-American, helped OU to a No. 3 ranking and a Orange Bowl win, and later became a standout NFL linebacker drafted sixth by the Eagles. He played 10 seasons, earned a spot on the Patriots’ All-Decade team, and remained a pillar in Oklahoma City’s community, eventually honored in the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame. His toughness on the field matched his heart off it…