We have some sad news coming out of the NFL.
Clark Haggans, a former NFL linebacker who won Super Bowl XL with the Pittsburgh Steelers, has died at the age of 46, according to Colin Dunlap of 93.7 The Fan.
Dunlap made the announcement on Twitter, with no cause of death given.
“Former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Clark Haggans has died,” wrote Dunlap. “He was 46. Haggans played for the Steelers from 2000-07, was a 2000 5th round pick of the organization and member of the Super Bowl XL championship team.”
Former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Clark Haggans has died.
He was 46.
Haggans played for the Steelers from 2000-07, was a 2000 5th round pick of the organization and member of the Super Bowl XL championship team. pic.twitter.com/s1tNqDBECw— Colin Dunlap (@colin_dunlap) June 21, 2023
Haggans was picked by the Steelers out of Colorado State in the 2000 NFL Draft. For the Rams’ college football program, he’s still the all-time record holder for sacks with 33, and he’s also in the Colorado State University Athletics Hall of Fame.
In the NFL, Haggans was a Steeler during the team’s Super Bowl XL championship run when they took on the Seattle Seahawks. In the playoffs that season, he recorded 18 tackles, including five in the Super Bowl. He even sacked Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck during the big game.
Before retiring, Haggans also played for both the Arizona Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers following his time in Pittsburgh. (RELATED: REPORT: Miami Dolphins’ Tyreek Hill Being Investigated Over Alleged Assault And Battery, Police Say)
Haggans became the first player to support the Black Out Child Abuse campaign in 2012, which helped bring awareness to child abuse across the sports world. For the cause, he wore blackout paint on his face.
Altogether in his NFL career, Haggans recorded 520 tackles, 46.5 sacks and 16 forced fumbles.
Haggans is survived by his son, Damon, and daughter, Alianna.
RIP Clark Haggans. Gone way too soon. #Steelers #NFL
— Blitzburgh (@Blitz_Burgh) June 21, 2023
Clark Haggans was a solid all-around edge rusher who hung with some great defensive teams. Very sad to learn of his passing. #BigNastyD #Steelers pic.twitter.com/N19QJabCmy
— Neal Coolong (@NealCoolong) June 21, 2023
Clark Haggans’ life was obviously so much more than one Super Bowl or the game of football. But he was a key piece to some great Steelers’ defenses. Nine sacks in 2005. Took down Matt Hasselbeck on the opening drive of SB 40.
Rest in Peace, Clark. #Steelers pic.twitter.com/OpFq29laf2
— Alex Kozora (@Alex_Kozora) June 21, 2023
Former Steelers linebacker Clark Haggans has reportedly passed away.
Recorded a sack against the Seahawks in SB XL, and played his final five seasons in the NFC West with the Cardinals and 49ers.
Only 46 years old. RIP. https://t.co/4AX8cKr38j
— Field Gulls (@FieldGulls) June 21, 2023
Damn, man. So sad.
RIP to Clark Haggans. Perhaps the most underrated piece of those elite Steelers defenses. https://t.co/isNdc4CXhx
— Mike Kennedy (@MikeKennedyNFL) June 21, 2023
My condolences to the family and friends of Clark Haggans.