Last Updated on October 15, 2026 by Tanos Potter
Grey Zabel is an American professional football offensive guard who plays for the Seattle Seahawks in the National Football League (NFL). Born on March 30, 2002, in Pierre, South Dakota, Zabel grew up in an athletic family with strong connections to football, baseball, basketball, and farming. His parents, Mark and Tanna Zabel, were both college athletes, while his two brothers, Peyton and Jett, also pursued competitive sports.
Beyond his achievements with the Seahawks, including winning Super Bowl LX in February 2026, fans are interested in learning about Grey Zabel’s family, including his girlfriend, children, parents, and siblings. Although the NFL player keeps his romantic relationships private, he has frequently discussed his family’s influence on his career. Here is everything publicly known about his family, personal life, and upbringing.
Grey Zabel’s Girlfriend: Is He in a Relationship?
Grey Zabel has not publicly confirmed the identity of a girlfriend or romantic partner. Despite attracting attention following his selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks offensive guard has maintained considerable privacy regarding his dating life.
His public interviews and social media appearances primarily focus on football, farming, his parents, brothers, and experiences with the Seahawks.
Unlike some professional athletes who regularly share photographs of their partners online, Zabel has not made a widely documented announcement introducing a girlfriend.
His official Seattle Seahawks and North Dakota State University biographies also do not identify a romantic partner.
However, the absence of publicly available information does not establish that Zabel is single. He may simply prefer keeping his romantic relationships separate from his professional career.
Is Grey Zabel Married?
As of now, Grey Zabel has not publicly confirmed being married.
There is no reliable wedding announcement or verified reporting identifying a wife.
Although he frequently discusses the importance of family, he has not publicly disclosed information about a marriage or engagement.
His marital status therefore remains publicly unconfirmed.
Grey Zabel’s Children: Does He Have Any Kids?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Grey Zabel has children.
The Seattle Seahawks offensive guard has not made a verified announcement identifying himself as the father of a son or daughter.
His official NFL biography and major interviews primarily discuss his football career, parents, brothers, and agricultural background rather than parenthood.
It would therefore be inaccurate to state definitively that he has children or does not have children without supporting information.
As of now, his parental status remains publicly undisclosed.
Grey Zabel’s Parents: Meet Mark and Tanna Zabel
Grey Zabel was born to Mark Zabel and Tanna Zabel, who raised him and his two brothers in Pierre, South Dakota.
Both parents have strong athletic backgrounds, having competed at Northern State University in Aberdeen, South Dakota.
Mark played college football, while Tanna participated in basketball and track and field.
Their sporting experiences helped establish a competitive household in which all three sons developed an interest in athletics.
The family also maintained strong connections to farming, an occupation that has influenced Grey’s education, personality, and approach to professional football.
Grey Zabel’s Father: Mark Zabel
Mark Zabel is Grey Zabel’s father, a former college football player and member of a multigenerational South Dakota farming family.
Mark played defensive line at Northern State University, where he developed an understanding of the physical demands of competitive football.
His experience helped influence Grey’s decision to pursue football from an early age.
Mark also encouraged the sporting ambitions of his other sons, Peyton and Jett.
All three boys eventually competed in college athletics, with Grey and Jett playing football at North Dakota State and Peyton pursuing baseball.
In a November 2024 interview with InForum, Mark discussed his son’s decision to remain at North Dakota State despite opportunities to transfer to larger college football programs.
He explained that Grey valued relationships with family members, coaches, and teammates more than potential financial incentives elsewhere.
The interview demonstrated the importance of loyalty and close personal relationships within the Zabel family.
Mark Zabel’s Football Competition With His Son
One particularly memorable story involving Grey and his father emerged during the 2025 NFL Draft.
After the Seattle Seahawks selected Grey with the 18th overall pick, reporters asked him whether he could defeat his father in a football blocking competition.
Grey revealed that the two had actually participated in an informal one-on-one pass-rushing drill in an alley in Fargo, North Dakota.
The competition took place following an important North Dakota State playoff victory.
With several local sports reporters watching, Mark attempted to rush past his son, who was playing offensive line.
Grey jokingly explained that he had successfully handled his father’s pass rush but acknowledged that Mark was approaching 60 years old at the time.
The story illustrated the competitive yet humorous relationship between father and son.
Grey Zabel’s Mother: Tanna Zabel
Tanna Zabel is Grey Zabel’s mother and a former collegiate basketball and track and field athlete.
She competed at Northern State University, the same institution where her husband played football.
Tanna helped raise Grey and his brothers in Pierre, supporting their academic responsibilities and athletic development.
Her involvement extended beyond attending games.
According to an April 2025 article published by DRGNews, Tanna regularly volunteered with the T.F. Riggs High School football program.
Former head coach Steve Steele described her as an active team parent who helped organize activities and coordinate support for players.
Her contributions included assisting with team meals and helping other parents participate in the football program.
Steele also praised Mark and Tanna for consistently supporting the school’s athletic teams and maintaining close relationships with members of the community.
Their involvement helped establish the positive environment in which Grey and his brothers developed.
How Mark and Tanna Zabel Supported Their Son’s NFL Dream
Mark and Tanna remained closely involved in Grey’s career as he progressed from high school to North Dakota State University.
When Grey decided to stay with the Bison rather than transfer to a larger program, his parents supported his decision.
They understood that he valued the relationships he had established with coaches, teammates, and his younger brother Jett.
In April 2025, the family celebrated when the Seattle Seahawks selected Grey in the first round of the NFL Draft.
His parents continued supporting him during his rookie season.
After Seattle won Super Bowl LX in February 2026, Grey celebrated the achievement with Mark and Tanna.
A later interview published by ScoularView included a family photograph of Grey with his parents following the championship.
Grey Zabel’s Siblings: Does He Have Brothers or Sisters?
Grey Zabel has two brothers: Peyton Zabel and Jett Zabel.
Their names are confirmed in his official North Dakota State University football biography.
Peyton is his older brother, while Jett is his younger brother.
Both have impressive athletic backgrounds, reflecting the family’s longstanding interest in competitive sports.
Peyton Zabel – Grey Zabel’s Older Brother
Peyton James Zabel is Grey Zabel’s older brother and a former collegiate baseball pitcher.
Born on January 23, 2000, in Pierre, South Dakota, Peyton attended T.F. Riggs High School, where he excelled in baseball, football, and basketball.
During high school, he became a highly regarded multi-sport athlete and earned recognition for his performances.
As a football player, Peyton competed at quarterback and helped lead T.F. Riggs to a state championship in 2017.
He also established school records for passing yards and total offensive production.
His baseball performances attracted attention from professional scouts.
In the 2018 Major League Baseball Draft, the Milwaukee Brewers selected Peyton in the 19th round with the 575th overall pick.
However, Peyton continued developing his athletic career through college baseball rather than immediately entering the Brewers organization.
He played at Augustana University, Iowa Western Community College, and Texas State University.
At Texas State, he competed as a right-handed pitcher and continued demonstrating the athletic ability that had made him a promising high school prospect.
How Peyton Zabel Influenced Grey’s Football Career
Growing up with an older brother who excelled in several sports provided Grey with an example of competitive dedication.
Both brothers played football at T.F. Riggs High School.
One memorable moment occurred during a state championship game when Grey, still a younger player, was required to move to center because of an injury along the offensive line.
His responsibility was to snap the football to Peyton, who was playing quarterback.
According to a February 2026 Sporting News feature, the brothers had not practiced the center-quarterback exchange extensively.
Nevertheless, they successfully executed the required plays late in the game, helping their team secure the championship.
The experience became a memorable example of their shared football journey.
Jett Zabel – Grey Zabel’s Younger Brother
Jett Zabel is Grey Zabel’s younger brother and a college football tight end at North Dakota State University.
Like his older brothers, Jett attended T.F. Riggs High School in Pierre, South Dakota.
He developed into one of the school’s most productive offensive players, competing at tight end, quarterback, and defensive end.
During his senior season in 2023, he recorded 58 receptions for 995 yards and 18 touchdowns.
His performances helped the Governors win their seventh consecutive state championship.
Jett finished his high school career with 138 receptions, 2,304 receiving yards, and 35 receiving touchdowns, establishing school records in several categories.
He also participated in baseball and basketball.
Following high school, Jett committed to North Dakota State University, joining the same football program where Grey had established himself as a standout offensive lineman.
During the 2024 season, Jett redshirted while developing within the Bison program.
He made his first collegiate reception during the 2025 season against Tennessee State.
As of the 2026 season, Jett remains a member of North Dakota State’s football roster.
Why Playing With Jett Was Important to Grey Zabel
Grey Zabel’s relationship with his younger brother influenced one of the most important decisions of his college football career.
Following the 2023 season, Grey attracted interest from larger college football programs that could potentially offer greater financial opportunities through name, image, and likeness agreements.
However, he decided to remain at North Dakota State for the 2024 season.
According to an August 2024 ESPN feature, the opportunity to play alongside Jett was among the factors that made staying with the Bison appealing.
Grey also valued his relationships with teammates and coaches.
His decision allowed the brothers to share part of the same college football experience before Grey entered the NFL.
Grey Zabel’s Family Farming Background
One of the most distinctive aspects of Grey Zabel’s family is its connection to agriculture.
Grey grew up spending time on the family farm in South Dakota, where he learned the importance of physical work, patience, and responsibility.
According to an August 2026 interview published by ScoularView, Zabel represents the fifth generation of his family involved in farming.
The family’s agricultural operations near Selby, South Dakota, include the cultivation of corn and soybeans, alongside rotational crops such as wheat and barley.
Grey has frequently compared farming to football, explaining that both require months of preparation before results become visible.
During his introductory interview with the Seahawks in April 2025, he described farming, family, and football as the three important foundations of his life.
He emphasized that the discipline required to maintain a successful farm closely resembles the commitment necessary to prepare for a football season.
His agricultural background also influenced his choice of university studies.
Grey Zabel’s Childhood and High School Football Career
Grey Zabel was born on March 30, 2002, in Pierre, South Dakota.
He attended T.F. Riggs High School, where he competed in football, baseball, and basketball.
His performances as an offensive and defensive lineman helped establish him as one of the school’s most accomplished football players.
During his high school career, he started on three consecutive state championship teams.
Those teams combined for a 31-5 record.
Zabel earned all-state recognition twice and served as team captain during his senior year.
He also recorded 84 tackles, 25 tackles for loss, and 14 sacks during his high school defensive career.
In addition to athletics, Grey participated in the National Honor Society, demonstrating his commitment to education.
His performances attracted interest from college football programs, and he eventually committed to North Dakota State University.
Grey Zabel’s College Football Career at North Dakota State
Grey Zabel joined North Dakota State University in 2020 and became one of the program’s most accomplished offensive linemen.
His college career included appearances at several offensive line positions, including left tackle, right tackle, left guard, and right guard.
Across five seasons, he appeared in 62 games and made 41 starts.
He became an important contributor to North Dakota State’s national championship teams in 2021 and 2024.
During his final season in 2024, he started all 16 games at left tackle and earned first-team FCS All-American recognition.
He also received first-team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference honors.
Zabel graduated from North Dakota State in May 2024 with a degree in agribusiness and minors in economics and precision agriculture.
His academic interests reflected his desire to remain connected to the family farming business.
Grey Zabel’s NFL Career With the Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks selected Grey Zabel in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft with the 18th overall pick.
His selection represented a major achievement for the Zabel family and the Pierre community.
Seattle valued his athleticism, versatility, and experience at multiple offensive line positions.
Following his selection, the Seahawks moved him into the starting left guard role.
Zabel immediately became an important member of the offensive line, starting all 17 regular-season games during his rookie year.
He also started Seattle’s three postseason games, including Super Bowl LX.
His performances earned him a place on the 2025 Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie Team.
He continued as Seattle’s starting left guard during the 2026 NFL season.
Grey Zabel’s Super Bowl LX Victory
On February 8, 2026, Grey Zabel became a Super Bowl champion when the Seattle Seahawks defeated the New England Patriots 29-13 in Super Bowl LX.
He started at left guard and helped protect quarterback Sam Darnold during the championship.
The achievement was especially remarkable because it came during his first professional football season.
Zabel had previously won two NCAA Division I FCS national championships with North Dakota State.
His Super Bowl victory added another important accomplishment to his career.
After the game, he celebrated with his parents, Mark and Tanna, who had supported his sporting ambitions since childhood.
His journey from farming in South Dakota to winning the NFL’s biggest championship became an example of the values he frequently discusses: determination, loyalty, and hard work.
Frequently Asked Questions About Grey Zabel’s Family
Who is Grey Zabel’s girlfriend?
Grey Zabel has not publicly confirmed the identity of a girlfriend or romantic partner. His current relationship status remains private.
Is Grey Zabel married?
As of now, Grey Zabel has not publicly confirmed being married, and no reliable wedding announcement has identified a wife.
Does Grey Zabel have children?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Grey Zabel has children.
Who are Grey Zabel’s parents?
Grey Zabel’s parents are Mark Zabel and Tanna Zabel, both former college athletes at Northern State University in South Dakota.
Who is Grey Zabel’s father?
His father is Mark Zabel, a former Northern State University defensive lineman who is also connected to the family’s farming background.
Who is Grey Zabel’s mother?
His mother is Tanna Zabel, who competed in basketball and track and field at Northern State University and supported the athletic development of her three sons.
How many siblings does Grey Zabel have?
Grey Zabel has two siblings, both brothers.
Who are Grey Zabel’s brothers?
His brothers are Peyton Zabel, a former college baseball pitcher, and Jett Zabel, a college football tight end at North Dakota State University.
Who is Grey Zabel’s older brother?
His older brother is Peyton Zabel, who was selected by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 19th round of the 2018 MLB Draft.
Who is Grey Zabel’s younger brother?
His younger brother is Jett Zabel, who joined the North Dakota State football team in 2024.
Does Grey Zabel have a sister?
Grey Zabel’s official North Dakota State University biography identifies two brothers, Peyton and Jett, and does not list any sisters.
Where was Grey Zabel born?
Grey Zabel was born on March 30, 2002, in Pierre, South Dakota.
Is Grey Zabel a farmer?
Yes. Grey Zabel has worked on his family’s South Dakota farm and represents the fifth generation of his family involved in agriculture.
Where did Grey Zabel play college football?
Grey Zabel played college football at North Dakota State University from 2020 to 2024.
Has Grey Zabel won a Super Bowl?
Yes. Grey Zabel won Super Bowl LX with the Seattle Seahawks in February 2026 during his rookie NFL season.
What NFL team does Grey Zabel play for?
Grey Zabel plays offensive guard for the Seattle Seahawks, who drafted him with the 18th overall pick in 2025.
Tanos Potter is a sports journalist and NFL analyst dedicated to bringing fans closer to the gridiron through deep tactical analysis and roster coverage. He breaks down offensive and defensive schemes, quarterback performance, trade moves, and top Draft prospects. Tracking action across both the AFC and NFC, Tanos translates complex playbooks and statistics into engaging, actionable insights for football enthusiasts.
