In a sad turn of events, Clark Haggans, a renowned linebacker who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers and was part of their victorious Super Bowl XL team in 2005, has tragically passed away at the age of 46. The news was shared by a popular Pittsburgh sports radio host on Tuesday evening.
The cause of his untimely death is currently unknown, leaving fans and the football community mourning the loss of this talented player. Haggans dedicated 13 seasons to the NFL, with an impressive eight-year tenure as a member of the Steelers from 2000 to 2007.
Former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Clark Haggans has died.
He was 46.
Haggans played for the Steelers from 2000-07, was a 2000 5th round pick of the organization and member of the Super Bowl XL championship team. pic.twitter.com/s1tNqDBECw— Colin Dunlap (@colin_dunlap) June 21, 2023
During the remarkable 2005 season, Haggans showcased his exceptional skills on the field, achieving a career-high of nine sacks. Notably, he made a pivotal sack against Matt Hasselbeck of the Seattle Seahawks during the opening drive of Super Bowl XL, ultimately contributing to the Steelers’ triumphant 21-10 victory.
Following his time with the Steelers, Haggans went on to play for the Arizona Cardinals and the San Francisco 49ers. He once again reached the Super Bowl as a member of the 2012 NFC title-winning San Francisco team.
Haggans’ football journey began at Colorado State University, where he left a lasting impact and was later honored with induction into the program’s Hall of Fame. The Pittsburgh Steelers recognized his potential, selecting him during the fifth round of the 2000 NFL Draft, one year after drafting his college teammate Joey Porter.
Reflecting on his NFL career, Haggans fondly recalled his first game, a preseason matchup against the Dallas Cowboys in July 2000. Overwhelmed by the presence of legendary quarterback Troy Aikman, Haggans admitted to being star-struck. He humorously admitted to freezing on the field, reminiscing, “It all happened so fast – I just stood there grabbing my crotch.”
Transitioning from college to the professional league proved to be a significant adjustment for Haggans. The complexities of the game expanded beyond his previous experiences, involving unbalanced lines, jumbo packages, spread offenses, and two-minute offenses. Nevertheless, he embraced the challenges and showcased his versatility as a linebacker.
The 2005 Steelers team made history as the first ever six-seed to win the Super Bowl, largely propelled by their formidable defense. Haggans cherished the memories of that remarkable season, particularly the jubilation of winning the Super Bowl alongside his dear friend Joey Porter, whom he had shared previous triumphs with during their time at Colorado State.
Throughout his career, Haggans accumulated an impressive record of 46.5 sacks and 520 tackles, including 370 solo tackles. Beyond his accomplishments on the field, he leaves behind a legacy as a loving father to his two children, Damon and Alianna.
The football community mourns the loss of Clark Haggans, remembering him as a talented linebacker, a dedicated athlete, and a cherished teammate. His contributions to the game will not be forgotten, and his spirit will live on in the hearts of fans and fellow players alike.
