The football world is mourning the loss of Don Hasselbeck, a Super Bowl XVIII champion and patriarch of one of the NFL’s most storied families, who passed away Monday at 70 after suffering a heart attack. Beyond his accolades on the field—including a title with the Los Angeles Raiders and a standout career with the New England Patriots—Hasselbeck’s legacy shines brightest through his sons, Matt and Tim, who carried his grit and leadership into their own NFL journeys. Here’s a look at the life of a man who redefined success as both a player and a father.
Don Hasselbeck's passing away: A legacy forged on the field—and in family
Don Hasselbeck’s impact transcended touchdowns. While his 6’7” frame made him a formidable tight end, his role as a devoted father and mentor became his defining triumph.
“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,” wrote his son Matt, a three-time Pro Bowl quarterback, in a heartfelt tribute. “We have a 6-foot-7-inch hole in our hearts.”
Hasselbeck’s blend of toughness and tenderness shaped his sons’ careers. Matt, who starred for the Seattle Seahawks, and Tim, a steadfast NFL backup, often credited their father’s guidance for navigating the league’s pressures.
From Patriots stalwart to Raiders glory
Drafted by the New England Patriots in 1977’s second round, Hasselbeck carved out a nine-year NFL career defined by resilience. His pinnacle came in 1981: 46 receptions, 808 yards, and six touchdowns—all career highs—earning him recognition as one of the AFC’s most reliable targets.
Traded to the Los Angeles Raiders in 1983, he embraced a supporting role en route to Super Bowl XVIII glory. Though his postseason stats were quiet, his two regular-season catches both resulted in touchdowns, epitomizing his clutch gene. Stints with the Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants followed before retirement in 1985, closing a chapter that included 123 games, 1,542 yards, and 18 touchdowns.
The Super Bowl XVIII Chapter: Quiet contributor, lasting impact
Don Hasselbeck’s Raiders tenure may lack gaudy numbers, but his veteran presence proved invaluable. Joining a roster stacked with legends like Marcus Allen and Howie Long, he provided depth during their playoff surge. His two touchdowns in limited snaps underscored his efficiency—a trait that mirrored his pragmatic approach to fatherhood and life.
Fatherhood & Football: The Hasselbeck Dynasty
Don’s greatest pride wasn’t his Super Bowl ring—it was watching Matt and Tim forge their own paths. Matt became the Seahawks’ all-time leading passer, piloting Seattle to its first Super Bowl appearance in 2005. Tim, though a backup, earned respect for his football IQ across four teams. Both inherited their father’s work ethic, with Matt often recalling Don’s advice:
“Greatness isn’t about stats; it’s about showing up, every day, for your team.”
Don Hasselbeck’s story is one of quiet perseverance. A second-round pick who outlasted expectations. A champion who prioritized locker-room camaraderie over spotlight moments. A father who measured success in raised sons, not raised trophies.
As the Hasselbeck family grieves, they find solace in his enduring lessons. “We look forward to heaven and being all together again,” Matt wrote—a sentiment echoing Don’s belief in legacy over limelight. In a league often obsessed with fame, Don Hasselbeck’s quiet impact reminds us that true greatness is measured in hearts touched, not headlines made.