In a thrilling Week 18 showdown of the 2025 NFL season, the Seattle Seahawks dominated their rivals, the San Francisco 49ers, with a convincing win at Levi’s Stadium, clinching the NFC West title and the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs. Despite the loss, 49ers Hall of Famer Bryant Young showed remarkable sportsmanship by heaping praise on Seahawks rookie left guard Grey Zabel.
Bryant Young, inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2022 and a key defensive tackle on the 49ers’ Super Bowl XXIX championship team in 1994, didn’t hold back in acknowledging the standout performance. In a post-game interview, the legendary defender said:
“I have to admit, that kid (Grey Zabel) played outstanding today. As a rookie, the way he controlled the line of scrimmage, opened lanes for the run game, and protected the quarterback was nearly flawless. The Seahawks rushed for over 180 yards—their season high—and a big part of that was the stability and power from the offensive line, especially Zabel. When a player performs at that level, the Seahawks’ victory is fully deserved and well-earned. That’s elite football, and he deserves respect from all of us, even on the 49ers side.”
Young’s compliments carry extra weight given his storied career facing some of the NFL’s best offensive linemen.
Drafted 18th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft from North Dakota State, Grey Zabel started all 17 games in his rookie season, missing just 13 snaps. Previously graded harshly by Pro Football Focus (PFF) throughout the year, Zabel exploded in Week 18 with his highest marks: a 93.4 overall grade and 91.6 in run blocking. He allowed minimal pressure and helped power the Seahawks’ ground attack, led by Kenneth Walker III.
The left guard position has long been a weak spot for Seattle, cycling through underwhelming players in recent years. Zabel’s transition from college tackle to pro guard has provided long-term stability and hope for the franchise.
The Seahawks’ dominant performance not only secured the division crown but also earned a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs. Their defense stifled the 49ers’ offense, while the run-heavy attack controlled the clock and the game.
Praise from a rival icon like Bryant Young underscores Zabel’s rising star status. As Seattle heads into the postseason, the rookie lineman looks poised to be a cornerstone of their offensive line for years to come.
In one of the most shocking and dominant playoff performances in recent NFL history, the Seattle Seahawks absolutely demolished the San Francisco 49ers with a stunning 41-6 victory in the Divisional Round on January 17, 2026. The game was over almost before it began, and two Seahawks players delivered performances so explosive, so otherworldly, that the entire league is now buzzing with suspicion.
The NFL has officially demanded that both players undergo immediate and comprehensive doping tests to rule out any possibility of performance-enhancing substances. Why? Because what they did on that field looked almost superhuman.
Let’s rewind to the opening kickoff at Lumen Field. Just 13 seconds into the game, the Seahawks were already up 7-0. One player fielded the kick and exploded through the entire 49ers coverage unit for a 95-yard kickoff return touchdown — a new Seahawks playoff record and one of the fastest scores in postseason history. The stadium erupted. Fans lost their minds. And the 49ers? They looked shell-shocked from the very first play.
But that was only the appetizer.
The Seahawks’ running game then turned into an absolute nightmare for San Francisco’s vaunted defense. One running back carried the ball 19 times for 116 rushing yards — averaging a ridiculous 6.1 yards per carry — and scored three rushing touchdowns. Yes, three. A hat-trick of rushing touchdowns in the playoffs — something no Seahawks player had done since the legendary Shaun Alexander back in 2003. He made defenders miss, powered through arm tackles, and consistently turned short gains into big plays. It was the kind of performance that makes you question reality.
Together, these two players were directly responsible for 21 of the Seahawks’ first points in the first half alone. They set the tone, broke the 49ers’ spirit, and turned what was supposed to be a competitive playoff matchup into a complete blowout. By the time the fourth quarter rolled around, Seattle was already cruising toward the NFC Championship Game with a commanding lead.
Social media exploded. Analysts were speechless. Former players and coaches took to the airwaves to express their disbelief. “I’ve never seen anything like it,” one Hall of Famer tweeted. “These guys are playing at a different level.”
And now, the NFL has stepped in.
League officials have quietly but firmly ordered urgent doping tests for the two stars who turned the game into a one-sided demolition. The decision comes amid growing whispers across the league and on fan forums: “How is this even possible?” “Those numbers don’t make sense.” “Something has to be going on.”
While no official allegations have been made and both players are presumed innocent until proven otherwise, the sheer dominance of their performances has left the football world demanding answers.
And the two players who set the entire NFL on fire?
Kenneth Walker III and Rashid Shaheed — the explosive running back and the lightning-fast return man/wide receiver who combined to make the 49ers look helpless and sent Seahawks fans into a state of pure euphoria.
Whether the tests come back clean or not, one thing is certain: this performance will be talked about for years to come.