Offensive linemen Grey Zabel and Jalen Sundell were once roommates in college at North Dakota State. Now they are side by side again ready to line up in Super Bowl LX.
Before players of the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots hit the practice field to prep for their bout in Super Bowl LX, many of them spent time on Radio Row with the media discussing the game, the 2025 season, and most quotably, how their football journeys have led them here, the pinnacle of professional sports.
For Seahawks offensive linemen Grey Zabel and Jalen Sundell, their journeys have nearly been parrallel.
Seattle's starting left guard and center were roommates in college at North Dakota State, and now prepare to take on the Patriots on Feb. 8 at Levi's Stadium just two years removed from their last year together with the Bison.
The two spoke to Seahawks.com about not taking any of this experience together for granted.
"Who would have thought?" Zabel said. "A few years ago at North Dakota State, who would of thought that we'd be here, about to play for a Super Bowl. What an unreal experience, the world truly comes full-circle how this is happening. I'm super excited, and it might be a little bit longer of a hug in the tunnel before we run out onto the field knowing what this game means and how special of a moment it's going to be."
Perhaps the extraordinary aspect of this story is the manner in which each player made their way to the Pacific Northwest. Sundell was an undrafted free agent who signed with the Seahawks in 2024, mostly covering backup duties. Zabel was Seattle's first-round draft pick a year later and has been an every-game starter at left guard since. Sundell had spent the last training camp competing for the starting center and right guard spot before ultimately getting the nod for center.
"We never imagined that, we never talked about that," Sundell said. "We both knew that we wanted to play in the league, but playing together, let alone playing in the Super Bowl together, that was beyond our wildest dreams. It's going to be surreal."
The duo will look to protect Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold, who has seen a career revelation over the last two years. But his play this season in Year 1 with Seattle has the franchise one win away from its second title.
Darnold spoke about the obvious connection Sundell and Zabel have, and how it greatly enhances the offensive line's effectiveness.
"It definitely shows, just the way that they communicate up there. Sometimes they don't even need to communicate, they kind of know what each other are thinking on every single play. They've done a great job all year with their communication—just the way they've showed their bond throughout the season has been pretty special."