Field Gulls
Don Hasselbeck spent much of his career with the New England Patriots before winning a Super Bowl with the Los Angeles Raiders.
Former NFL tight end Don Hasselbeck, father of former Seattle Seahawks Ring of Honor quarterback Matt Hasselbeck and veteran quarterback Tim Hasselbeck, died on Monday at the age of 70.
Matt Hasselbeck announced Don’s passing on social media, revealing that his went into fatal cardiac arrest.
“It is with deep sorrow that we share the passing of our father, Don Hasselbeck, who suffered cardiac arrest and passed away today,” Matt Hasselbeck wrote. “We want to thank our parents’ neighbors and all the medical professionals who came to his aid.
“He was a great husband, father, grandfather, friend, coach, player, coworker, artist, mentor, and storyteller. 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.
“He helped set our feet on solid ground. Married to and in love with our mom, Betsy, for 50 years, they built their house on the rock of Jesus Christ. Our dad’s prayer journals, in his meticulous handwriting and in a rainbow of pen colors, hold each of our names and needs. Many of you who have known our father, have been thoughtfully prayed for in the pages of his journals.
“There is a 6’ 7” hole in our hearts. He will be so missed by so many. We are beyond grateful that he was our dad and look forward to Heaven and being all together again.”
Don Hasselbeck played nine seasons in the NFL, the majority of which were with the New England Patriots. Throughout his time in New England he made the PFWA All-Rookie Team and was teammates with the late Mosi Tatupu, the father of Seahawks linebacker Lofa Tatupu, whom of course would be teammates with Matt in Seattle. His career-best season came in 1981, when he caught 46 passes for 808 yards and 6 touchdowns
Hasselbeck was traded midseason to the Los Angeles Raiders in 1983 and eventually won a Super Bowl in his lone season there. Both of his catches with the Raiders were for touchdowns and he blocked Washington’s only PAT in LA’s 38-9 Super Bowl victory. Hasselbeck retired after spending 1985 with the New York Giants.
Rest in peace to Don Hasselbeck, and our condolences go out to the Hasselbeck family.
