Imagine being on the brink of giving up on your dream, only to find yourself snapping the ball in the NFC Championship Game with a Super Bowl berth on the line. That’s the reality for Jalen Sundell, the former North Dakota State Bison standout who’s now the starting center for the Seattle Seahawks. But here’s where it gets even more incredible: Sundell will line up next to his former Bison teammate, Grey Zabel, as they face the Los Angeles Rams in a high-stakes showdown. It’s a story of resilience, adaptability, and the power of second chances—and this is the part most people miss: Sundell’s journey to this moment wasn’t just about talent; it was about overcoming setbacks, injuries, and moments of self-doubt.
Sundell is no stranger to high-pressure games. From the 2021 FCS national championship to semifinal battles in Montana, he’s thrived in electric atmospheres. Yet, Sunday’s NFC Championship Game promises to be unlike anything he’s ever experienced. ‘I just try to keep things in perspective,’ Sundell shared earlier this week. ‘Focus on the task at hand—having a good practice, being locked in for meetings. If you start thinking about how big the game is, it’s easy to lose sight of what really matters.’
A native of Maryville, Missouri, Sundell left Fargo after the 2023 season with 40 career starts across two positions and All-American honors as a left tackle. His NFL prospects seemed bright until a pre-draft injury during the East-West Shrine Game practice week derailed his momentum. Though he earned an invite to the NFL Combine, he couldn’t participate in drills. But Sundell didn’t give up. He rehabbed and impressed scouts at NDSU’s Pro Day in April 2024, earning a contract with the Cleveland Browns. However, the Browns released him just before training camp.
And this is where the controversy begins: Was Sundell’s release from Cleveland a mistake, or did it pave the way for his eventual success in Seattle? The Seahawks took a chance on him, and Sundell seized the opportunity. ‘This was my first tryout after Cleveland,’ he recalled. ‘I trained hard over the summer, and my first day here was my audition. The next day, I had to learn the offense and practice immediately. It was overwhelming, but something must have clicked.’
Under new Seahawks coach Mike McDonald, Sundell not only made the 53-man roster but also worked his way into the starting lineup. After playing special teams, he eventually won the starting center job, starting nine games before a knee injury in Week 10 sidelined him. After missing four games, he returned for the season’s final stretch, including a thrilling 38-37 overtime win over the Rams and the NFC West-clinching victory against the 49ers. Sundell’s role in the Seahawks’ 180-rushing-yard performance that night was undeniable.
‘I’ve always been an underdog,’ Sundell admitted. ‘Coming from a smaller high school with limited offers, I was never handed anything. At NDSU, I was behind great players, which pushed me to improve and avoid complacency.’
Ironically, Sundell’s NFL success as a center is a relatively recent development. He didn’t play the position until the COVID-shortened 2021 spring season when NDSU’s starting center, Karson Schoening, graduated. Offensive line coach Dan Larson saw potential in Sundell’s athleticism, and he started 25 games at center before returning to left tackle in 2023. This positional versatility caught the eye of NFL scouts.
It’s no surprise that the Seahawks, who drafted Grey Zabel 18th overall in 2025, also valued Sundell’s adaptability. Zabel, a fan favorite and Pro Football Writers Association All-Rookie Team selection, was Sundell’s roommate in Fargo and his linemate at NDSU. Now, they’re side by side in the NFL. ‘It’s crazy but comfortable,’ Sundell said. ‘We’ve played in big games before, but this feels familiar. The national championship was our Super Bowl in college, so this isn’t new pressure.’
On Sunday, Sundell will snap the ball to former Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold, a moment that seemed improbable just months ago. ‘After Cleveland, I thought my career might be over,’ he admitted. ‘Not many workout guys even get a contract, let alone make a roster. Being here is surreal.’
But here’s the question that sparks debate: Is Jalen Sundell’s success a testament to his own grit, or does it highlight the Seahawks’ keen eye for overlooked talent? And as he prepares for the biggest game of his life, one thing is certain: Sundell’s journey is a reminder that sometimes, the underdog doesn’t just survive—he thrives. What do you think? Is Sundell’s story a fluke, or the mark of a true champion? Let us know in the comments!
