Former NFL tight end Don Hasselbeck passed away at the age of 70. Hasselbeck, a former Colorado and NFL player, was the father of ex-quarterbacks Matt and Tim Hasselbeck. Matt Hasselbeck confirmed his father's passing due to cardiac arrest in a social media post, praising him as a great husband, father, and leader for their family. Don Hasselbeck was a second-round pick of the New England Patriots in the 1977 NFL Draft and went on to have a successful NFL career, including a Super Bowl win with the Raiders.
During his nine-season NFL career, Don Hasselbeck recorded 107 catches for 1,542 yards and 18 touchdowns. He was known for his standout season in 1981 with the Patriots, where he tallied 46 receptions for 808 yards and six touchdowns. Hasselbeck also had a collegiate football career at Colorado, where he accumulated 50 catches for 612 yards and three touchdowns. Both of his sons, Matt and Tim Hasselbeck, followed in his footsteps by playing college football and pursuing careers in the NFL, with Matt enjoying a 17-season career and Tim transitioning to a role as an ESPN analyst after playing for several teams in the 2000s.