Don Hasselbeck, a proud American, devout family man, and former NFL tight end who brought grit and class to the gridiron, passed away Monday at the age of 70. A standout in the days when football was played with true toughness, Hasselbeck leaves behind a legacy that stretches far beyond his Super Bowl ring or NFL stat sheet.
His son, former Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, confirmed that his father died after suffering cardiac arrest at his home. In a heartfelt tribute, Matt remembered his father not just as a football hero but as a cornerstone of faith, family, and humility.
“He was a great husband, father, grandfather, friend, coach, player, coworker, artist, mentor, and storyteller,” Matt wrote. “Despite being an All-American at Colorado and a Super Bowl Champion with the Raiders, what we are most proud of is the leader he was for our family.”
Don Hasselbeck wasn’t your modern-day sports celebrity seeking TikTok clout or political platforms. He was old-school—an athlete who worked hard, kept his head down, and let his performance speak for itself. Drafted in the second round of the 1977 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots, Hasselbeck brought toughness and reliability to the tight end position during an era when players still played through pain and put team before self.
He led the Patriots in receptions in 1981—an impressive feat in a run-heavy era—with 46 catches, 808 yards, and six touchdowns. But perhaps his most cherished football memory came after being traded to the Los Angeles Raiders in 1983. That season, Hasselbeck helped bring home a Super Bowl title. And in true team-first fashion, his biggest play wasn’t a highlight-reel touchdown—it was a blocked extra point in the Super Bowl against Washington, helping the Raiders cruise to a 38-9 victory.
He went on to contribute to the New York Giants in 1984, even catching a touchdown in a playoff win over San Francisco, and wrapped up his career with the Minnesota Vikings in 1985. Over his nine-year career, he recorded 107 receptions for 1,542 yards and 18 touchdowns across 123 regular season games.
But his most impressive contributions came off the field. Don raised a family rooted in faith and perseverance, and his values echoed through his children. Two of his sons followed in his footsteps and made it to the NFL—a testament not just to genetics, but to a household grounded in discipline and encouragement. Matt Hasselbeck became a three-time Pro Bowl quarterback and led the Seahawks to the Super Bowl in 2005. His brother Tim also made it to the league, serving as a reliable backup QB and now a respected analyst.
In a sports world increasingly distracted by wokeness and virtue signaling, Don Hasselbeck stood as a reminder of what matters most—God, family, hard work, and humility. He was a man who didn’t chase headlines, but earned respect. And in doing so, he left behind not just a football legacy, but a life worth emulating.
Rest in peace, Don Hasselbeck. Your example won’t be forgotten.
