Former NFL tight end Don Hasselbeck, known for his tenure with the New England Patriots and the New York Giants, passed away at the age of 70 due to cardiac arrest. Standing at 6-foot-7, Hasselbeck had a notable career that spanned nine seasons in the league, culminating with his final year in 1985 with the Giants. During his time in the NFL, he secured a Super Bowl ring with the Los Angeles Raiders in 1983 and notably blocked an extra point against Washington in the game.
In 1985, Hasselbeck made his mark in Giants' history by catching a touchdown in their Wild Card victory over the San Francisco 49ers. Beyond his on-field contributions, he also served as a mentor to Giants' tight end Mark Bavaro, who later became an All-Pro player. Additionally, Hasselbeck's connection with the Giants extended to his son, Tim, who joined the team as a backup quarterback for Eli Manning two decades after his father's stint with the franchise.
Tim Hasselbeck, reflecting on his time with the Giants in 2005, noted the nostalgic familiarity of the team's facilities after two decades. He went on to play two seasons for the Giants, honoring the legacy of his father, Don Hasselbeck, who left a lasting impact on the Giants organization. The Hasselbeck family's ties to the Giants exemplify the enduring bond between former players and the team, embodying the sentiment of "Once a Giant, Always a Giant."