A new 76 in Seattle: Grey Zabel to wear legendary number with Steve Hutchinson’s blessing
The Seattle rookie, Grey Zabel, pays tribute to a team legend by wearing the same number the Hall of Famer wore during his time with the franchise.
Grey Zabel, a new signing for the Seattle Seahawks, will wear the number 76 on his jersey, a number with a long history within the team. The decision was made with the consent of Steve Hutchinson, former offensive lineman and Hall of Famer, who wore the number during his five seasons with Seattle.
Although the number 76 has not been officially retired by the franchise, Zabel felt it was important to receive the historic player's approval before wearing it. According to the rookie's statements reported by ESPN, Hutchinson reacted enthusiastically and was pleased with the gesture. "He was totally in favor and super excited," Zabel said.
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A number with a legacy in Seattle
Steve Hutchinson was selected by the Seahawks in the first round of the 2001 NFL Draft. His impact on the team's offensive line was immediate, establishing himself as one of the best at his position. After five years with the franchise, he signed with the Minnesota Vikings under an offer sheet that included an unusual "poison pill" clause, which sparked controversy among teams.
In response, Seattle used a similar tactic to sign wide receiver Nate Burleson from Minnesota, prompting internal criticism within the league about its aggressive use of contract strategies. Hutchinson continued his career with the Vikings for six seasons and concluded his career with a brief stint with the Tennessee Titans. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2020.
A shirt that has been worn by big names
Since Hutchinson's departure, several notable players have worn the number 76 for the Seahawks. Among them are linemen Russell Okung, Germain Ifedi, and Duane Brown, who also made their mark on the team's offensive line. Now, Zabel joins that list with the intention of building his own legacy.
The number 76 remains a symbolic reference for the team's fans, and Zabel's decision to pay tribute to a figure like Hutchinson reflects his respect for the franchise's history. With this choice, the rookie begins his time in Seattle with a nod of recognition to one of the greatest names in the club's history.
