SAD NEWS FOR NFL: Family announce sad passing of two-time Super Bowl champion on Thanksgiving after battle with rare type of cancer
Family members announced the tragic death of the two-time Super Bowl champion on Thanksgiving Day after a battle with a rare form of cancer.
Harald Hasselbach dies at age 56, family talks about Broncos Super Bowl winner
Harald Hasselbach played for the Broncos from 1994 to 2000.
He is one of 10 players to win both a Gray Cup and a Super Bowl.
Harald Hasselbach, a defensive lineman for the Denver Broncos during their Super Bowl victories in 1998 and 1999, has died at the age of 56 after a battle with cancer.
The Broncos announced Hasselbach’s death Thursday, citing family members. Hasselbach’s family said he died at his Denver-area home after a six-month battle with cancer. They told ESPN he was diagnosed with a rare type of metastatic mucinous adenocarcinoma.
“We would like to inform you that he passed away peacefully and without cancer,” Hasselbach’s family said in a statement to the network. “He’s had a lot of support over the last week, including former teammates, coaches and family who have flown in from all over the world.
\’… “I found out he had it six months ago and he fought incredibly well to become a man.”
Hasselback began his career with the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League. He is one of 10 players to win both a Gray Cup and a Super Bowl. Harald Hasselbach played for the Denver Broncos from 1994 to 2000 after starting in the CFL.
Hasselbach never missed a game, recording 154 tackles, 17 1/2 sacks and four forced fumbles in seven seasons with the Broncos from 1994 to 2000.
He started 29 regular season games and three playoff games following the 1998 season, including the Broncos’ victory over the Atlanta Falcons in the Super Bowl. In seven seasons in the NFL, he was a CFL All-Star after a four-year career with the Stampeders.
His former Broncos teammate Ed McCaffrey said of X: “It is with great sadness that my friend and colleague Harold Hasselbach left us so soon. A gentle giant who was always kind to me and my family, especially my children.
“I am praying for my wonderful wife, Andrea, and their four wonderful children: Ashley, Terran, Aven and Kian. My friend!\’
Born in the Netherlands, Hasselbach grew up in Vancouver, British Columbia, then played at the University of Washington.
He is survived by his wife, four children and four grandchildren.
