Harald Hasselbach dead at 56: Family announce sad passing of two-time Super Bowl champion on Thanksgiving after battle with rare type of cancer
- Harald Hasselbach played for the Broncos from 1994 to 2000
- He is one of ten players to have won a Gray Cup and a Super Bowl
- DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news
Harald Hasselbach, a defensive lineman for the Denver Broncos during the team’s back-to-back 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.
Hasselbach’s family said he died at home in the Denver area after a six-month battle with cancer ESPN that he was diagnosed with metastatic mucinous adenocarcinoma, a rare form of the disease.
“We would like to announce that he passed away peacefully and without pain from cancer,” Hasselbach’s family said in a statement to the network. “He has had an overwhelming amount of support over the past week, including former teammates, coaches and family flying in from all over the world.
“… We learned that he had the disease less than six months ago and that he fought as hard as a man could, with incredible strength.”
Hasselback started his career with the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League. He is one of ten players to have won a Gray Cup and a Super Bowl.
Harald Hasselbach played for the Denver Broncos from 1994 to 2000 after starting in the CFL
Hasselbach carries a box spring into a dorm room upon arriving at Broncos training camp in 1998
Hasselbach puts pressure on Miami Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino in 1999
Hasselbach never missed a game during his seven seasons with the Broncos between 1994 and 2000, racking up 154 tackles, 17 1/2 sacks and four forced fumbles.
He started 29 regular season games and three playoff games, including the Broncos’ victory over the Atlanta Falcons in the Super Bowl following the 1998 season.
His seven seasons in the NFL followed a four-year career with the Stampeders, where he was a CFL All-Star.
His ex-Broncos teammate Ed McCaffrey said on X: “Devastated, my friend and teammate Harold Hasselbach has left us far too soon. A gentle giant of a man who was always so kind to me and my family, especially my children.
“Praying for his wonderful wife Aundrea and their four wonderful children, Ashlee, Terran, Aven and Kian. RIP my friend!’
Born in the Netherlands, Hasselbach played at the University of Washington after growing up in Vancouver, British Columbia.
He is survived by his wife, four children and four grandchildren.