Seahawks Announce Jersey Numbers For Grey Zabel, 2025 Draft Class
Grey Zabel (76) will sport the same number as Seahawks legend Grey Zabel, while Jalen Milroe (6) will take the number formerly worn by Sam Howell.
With rookies descending on the Virginia Mason Athletic Center for the start of rookie minicamp on Friday, the Seattle Seahawks announced jersey numbers for all 11 of their latest 2025 draft selections prior to hitting the practice field for the first time.
Headlining the group, No. 18 overall pick Grey Zabel will wear No. 76, which Hall of Famer Steve Hutchinson previously wore during his five seasons with the franchise. The North Dakota State standout met with Hutchinson, who now serves as a consultant for Seattle’s front office, during the Senior Bowl in Mobile and the two hit it off, paving the way for him to be selected in the first round as the highest-drafted guard since his new mentor way back in 2001.
“Steve [Hutchinson] was just an unbelievable football player. The mentality that he played with was off the charts. He’s an unbelievable person,” Zabel said during a conference call with reporters shortly after being selected. “Super connected with offensive linemen and their understanding and passion for the game of football. Being able to connect with him was a surreal experience. I remember after my interview with him down at the Senior Bowl, I immediately called my dad to tell him that. Super excited and hopefully I’ll have more conversations with him.”
Zabel won’t be the only incoming draft pick set to sport an iconic jersey number, though second-round pick Nick Emmanwori will not be wearing the No. 31 previously donned by hard-hitting safety Kam Chancellor with the Seahawks. As he told reporters following his selection, out of respect for the multi-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion, he hoped to write his own chapter with a different number.
“It would be cool to put his number on, but I kind of want to make my own legacy in the NFL,” Emmanwori stated. “I don’t want to step behind another man’s legacy. I want to build my own and try to surpass him or be better so the next generation can wear my number.”
Instead, with his two college numbers at South Carolina - No. 7 and No. 21 - already taken, Emmanwori will sport No. 3, which famously was worn by perennial Pro Bowl quarterback Russell Wilson before being traded to the Broncos in 2022. The number has only been worn by cornerback Artie Burns since his departure and that was only a brief span before the veteran cornerback switched to 23.
Fellow second rounder Elijah Arroyo, the tight end out of Miami who was selected 50th overall, will wear No. 18, while quarterback Jalen Milroe will take the No. 6 previously worn by backup Sam Howell with punter Michael Dickson currently holding No. 4, the digit he wore starring at Alabama.
As for Seattle’s day three selections, fifth-round pick Rylie Mills will wear No. 98, which previously had been worn by Roy Robertson-Harris last season. Fifth round receiver Tory Horton will wear Jermaine Kearse’s long-time No. 15 and fullback Robbie Ouzts will don No. 40 as he transitions to a new position after playing tight end at Alabama.
Moving inside to guard after playing tackle at Kansas, sixth-round pick Bryce Cabeldue will wear No. 77, which once belonged to standout defensive end Jeff Bryant. Seventh-round picks Damien Martinez, Mason Richman, and Ricky White II will sport No. 22, No. 78, and No. 86 respectively.
