Pierre’s Grey Zabel Chosen #18 During the NFL Draft Thursday Night

South Dakota is sending another one of its home-grown athletes to the NFL.

On Thursday night, (April 24) Grey Zabel, the six-feet-six-inch tall Pierre, South Dakota, native heard his name called in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, live from Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Zabel, an offensive guard, played his college ball at North Dakota State University and was one of the most highly touted offensive linemen in this year's draft.

Get our free mobile app

The Seattle Seahawks thought so highly of Zabel that they chose him #18 midway through the first round of the opening night of the draft.

Zabel told Dakota News Now that he was taking the whole experience in stride, he's super thankful and blessed for the chance to be able to play in the National Football League.

Anyone familiar with the NFL Draft process knows it's a lot more than just playing football.

Answering some oddball non-football-related questions during the combine interview process is also part of the experience.

Zabel told Dakota News Now that one of the craziest questions asked of him during the combine was why he chose to drink Busch Light Beer. According to Zabel, it's the nectar of the gods. Nice comeback, Grey!

READ MORE: Every First Overall NFL Draft Pick Since the 2010 Season

South Dakota has sent its fair share of players to the NFL throughout the years. Some high-profile athletes like Chad Greenway, Adam Vinatieri, Dallas Goedert, Riley Reiff, Dallas Clark, Ben Leber, Jay Novacek, and more all have ties to the Rushmore State.

However, Zabel might be the first football player from Pierre to make it all the way to the NFL. It's quite an accomplishment and a very exciting time for Grey and his entire family!

Best of luck to Grey Zabel during this next chapter of his football career.

Source: Dakota News Now