Jalen Sundell

Jalen Sundell Bio

Jalen Sundell is an American professional football center for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the North Dakota State Bison and was signed by the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 2024. Sundell has emerged as a key piece on Seattle’s offensive line, earning the starting center role in his second NFL season and contributing to the team’s Super Bowl LX championship.

Early Life and Background

Jalen Sundell was born on October 18, 1999, in Maryville, Missouri. He attended Maryville High School in Missouri, where he developed his skills as an offensive lineman. His athletic profile included a height of 6 feet 5 inches and a weight of 301 pounds, making him a formidable presence on the high school football field.

Path to Professional Football

Following his high school career at Maryville, Sundell transitioned to the college level, accepting a scholarship to play at North Dakota State University. He joined the North Dakota State Bison football program in 2018, beginning a five-year journey that would establish him as one of the top offensive linemen in the Football Championship Subdivision.

Jalen Sundell Career

College Career (2018–2023)

Sundell played college football at North Dakota State from 2018 through 2023. During his time with the Bison, he was part of three FCS national championship teams in 2018, 2019, and 2021. These championships demonstrated his ability to perform at the highest level of FCS football and provided him with invaluable postseason experience.

As a senior, Sundell made the transition to left tackle, where his performance reached its peak. He earned First-team FCS All-American honors and First-team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference recognition. He was teammates with Grey Zabel, who would later become the Seahawks’ 2025 first-round draft pick.

Seattle Seahawks Breakthrough (2024–Present)

After going undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft, Sundell signed with the Cleveland Browns on April 30 but was waived for medical reasons. He subsequently signed with the Seattle Seahawks on July 23, 2024. Sundell made the Seahawks’ initial 53-man roster out of training camp and appeared in 12 games during his rookie campaign, gaining valuable NFL experience.

Seattle Seahawks Era (2025–Present)

Entering the 2025 season, Sundell was named Seattle’s starting center, beating out Olu Oluwatimi for the job. He started all nine games he appeared in before suffering a knee injury in Week 10 against the Arizona Cardinals. Sundell was placed on injured reserve on November 15, 2025, but was activated on December 13 ahead of the team’s Week 15 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. He started in Super Bowl LX, a 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots, helping the Seahawks capture the championship.

Driving Style and Strengths

As a center, Sundell’s strengths lie in his ability to read defenses, make accurate pre-snap reads, and anchor the offensive line. His experience at North Dakota State, particularly his transition to left tackle as a senior, developed his versatility and technical skills. His partnership with Seattle’s coaching staff has helped him transition smoothly to the NFL level.

Notable Events and Milestones

The defining moment of Sundell’s early career came when he started in Super Bowl LX, helping the Seahawks defeat the Patriots 29-13. His journey from undrafted free agent to Super Bowl starter in just his second season represents a significant milestone in his professional career.

Jalen Sundell Career Statistics

Across his first two NFL seasons, Sundell has established himself as a reliable starter on Seattle’s offensive line. His progression from a backup role as a rookie to the starting center position in his second year demonstrates his development and value to the team.

NFL Career Highlights

Through the 2025 season, Sundell has appeared in 25 NFL games with 13 starts. His rookie season included 12 appearances, while his second season featured nine starts before his injury. His most significant achievement came when he started Super Bowl LX, helping secure the championship for Seattle.

College Achievements

Prior to his NFL career, Sundell accumulated an impressive college resume including three FCS national championships, a First-team FCS All-American selection, and First-team All-MVFC honors. These accomplishments established him as one of the top offensive linemen in the nation at the FCS level.

Jalen Sundell Family

Family Background and Personal Life

Sundell’s family has strong athletic connections. His younger sister, Serena Sundell, was a basketball player at Kansas State University. Serena was drafted by the Seattle Storm with the 26th pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, continuing the family’s success in professional sports. The siblings now both represent Seattle-based professional teams.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 season marked a breakthrough year for Sundell as he secured the starting center position for the Seattle Seahawks. His performance throughout the offseason and training camp convinced the coaching staff that he was the right choice to anchor the offensive line. His ability to beat out a draft pick like Olu Oluwatimi spoke to his development and readiness for the NFL game speed.

Sundell’s season got off to a strong start as he started every game through Week 9. His consistent play helped stabilize Seattle’s offensive line and provided quarterback stability in the pocket. The injury suffered in Week 10 against the Arizona Cardinals ended his regular-season contributions, but his early-season performance had already established him as a core piece of Seattle’s future.

Despite the injury setback, Sundell returned for the stretch run and playoff push. His presence in Super Bowl LX proved crucial as the Seahawks captured the championship with a 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots. Looking ahead, Sundell enters future seasons as a proven starter with championship experience and the full confidence of the Seattle coaching staff.