Harald Hasselbach, two-time Super Bowl champion with the Broncos, died in his home after a short battle with cancer. He was 56.
His family released a statement confirming his death, Thursday. The former Denver Broncos defensive lineman was one of 10 players that have won both a Super Bowl and the CFL’s Grey Cup, according to The New York Post. “We’d like to make it known that he passed from cancer peacefully in the comfort of his home, free of pain,” his family said. “We learned he had the illness less than 6 months ago and he fought as hard any human possibly could, with incredible strength,” his family told ESPN.
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Harald Hasselbach (1994-00), a DE on our back-to-back Super Bowl teams who courageously fought a recent cancer diagnosis.
Our hearts go out to Harold’s wife, Aundrea, his four children & many loved ones.
📰: https://t.co/5KnN4lh1lC pic.twitter.com/mDgT3fYHEx
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) November 23, 2023
Hasselbach’s family revealed the star had been diagnosed with metastatic mucinous adenocarcinoma, which quickly spread through his body.
“He’s had an overwhelming amount of support over the last week, including past teammates, coaches and family that’ve flown in from around the world,” they said.
Hasselbach started in Super Bowl XXXIII and won a ring in Super Bowl XXXII. He was also coaching the defensive line at Regis Jesuit High School in Aurora, Colorado.
The star athlete played a total of 121 games during his seven seasons with the Broncos. His highly respected not only for his talent, but also for his dedication to the sport. Hasselbach never missed a single game during the regular season or postseason, and was with the team from 1994-2000, according to ESPN.
He was known to remain level-headed during moments of controversy, and is remembered as a man that always approached his career with professionalism and conducted himself with respect.
Heartbroken to hear about the loss of Harald Hasselbach. Harald was a true pro and awesome family man. He told me one time when he was coaching at Regis HS that he never really played at the Univ. of Washington. He wore the uniform. However, he worked extremely hard, earned… pic.twitter.com/41D4oefgco
— Blake Olson (@BlakeOlson1) November 23, 2023
Hasselbach was 6-foot-6 that weighed in at 270 pounds at the height of his career. He helped the Calgary Stampeders win a Grey Cup championship in 1992 and was inducted into the B.C. Football Hall of Fame.
Friends, colleagues, fans, and loved ones have been paying tribute to the athlete on social media.(RELATED: Kool & The Gang Member George ‘Funky’ Brown Dead At 74: REPORT)
Hasselbach is survived by his wife, Aundrea, his children, Ashlee, Terran, Aven and Kian, and his four grandchildren.
Information pertaining to his funeral arrangements have not been publicly shared at this time.