“There’s no question that I saw unusual leadership in Matthew and Lofa at a very early age. I think when you are so talented, so young, the leadership comes fairly natural,” Don Hasselbeck said once, with a pride that only a father could feel. He wasn’t merely discussing football. When his sons entered a huddle, and perhaps a room, he was describing the gravity they carried.

Don wasn’t merely involved as a father; he was fully committed. Before allowing his sons to participate in organised football, he waited until he retired from the NFL. Not because he didn’t believe in the game, but because he believed in doing it right. He taught swim moves to sixth-graders, brought in Mark Bavaro to explain leverage, and explained to his sons that being “the Patriot guy’s son” came with pressure. But that pressure? It sharpened them.

On April 14, 2025, Don Hasselbeck passed away at the age of 70 due to cardiac arrest at his home, leaving behind not just a football legacy, but a life full of love and quiet strength that towered even taller than his 6-foot-7 frame. His son, Matt, shared the news on his IG account, as he paid tribute to his father with words only a son could muster at such a devastating time. “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.”

“I learned great little skills and techniques,” Matt Hasselbeck said. “I had the best swim move rushing the passer of anybody in the sixth grade. I had Mark Bavaro come and teach about grabbing the guy inside (to block and hold), and you’re working on the steering wheel. That’s probably not normal, and it gave me insight. There’s also something that, along with that, we got about pressure. When we were playing a game, you’d hear, ‘Oh, we’re playing the Patriot guy’s son,’ so it’s a huge game to the other team. That puts a little bit of fear inside of you to the point of ‘I’d better not fail here. I’ve got to live up to the last name here.’ There’s a lot of pressure, so that started early.” 

Matt still remembers sending his dad a picture of his bruised, black-and-blue foot from a game, and this is how Don responded to that. “A lineman accidentally stepped on Matthew’s foot the other day,” Don said. “You get some 330-pound guy putting some torque on your foot. He sent me a picture of his foot the other day. It was all black and blue. He said, ‘Oh, and this is the good one.’ ” That’s how raw and honest their bond was: built not just on gridiron glory, but the bumps and bruises that came with it.

Don raised men who knew what it meant to have a name, not only quarterbacks. On a memorable Sunday, Matt and Tim Hasselbeck were both starting QBs in the NFL on the same day. Instead of choosing just one game, Don and his wife Betsy watched both sons simultaneously. By connecting side-by-side TVs in their living room via a 100-foot cable. “It’s very exciting,” Don once admitted, his voice equal parts pride and humility. “These guys really like playing football. They grew up around it… and for them to play professionally is very satisfying.“

However, beyond his role as a dad, Don Hasselbeck was a Viking, a Raider, a Giant, a Patriot, an All-American at Colorado, and a Super Bowl champion. From 1977 until 1983, Don Hasselbeck established himself as a reliable and strong tight end with the New England Patriots. At six feet seven, he was a powerful player who could be relied upon as a blocker and trusted as a receiver when it mattered most. Despite not having the most eye-catching name on the roster, he finished his NFL career with 107 receptions, 1,542 yards, and 18 touchdowns, adding consistency and tenacity to the Patriots’ offence throughout seven seasons.

“A large and lovable presence”: The Patriots and NFL world mourn Don Hasselbeck

As the football community started to process the news of Don Hasselbeck’s death, condolences poured in from everywhere. Not just those who actually knew the guy behind the facemask but also those who merely watched him play. One of the first teams to pay tribute to Don Hasselbeck was the New England Patriots, the NFL team where he established his name: “The New England Patriots are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Don Hasselbeck. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the Hasselbeck family during this difficult time.” 

That same respect was expressed by those who knew Don outside of the pitch. Andrew Brandt, a former agent, shared a personal story: “Saddened to hear the passing of Don Hasselbeck. One of the great joys of representing @Hasselbeck was knowing and becoming friends with Don. He was so involved in his kids (and grandkids’) lives. Large and lovable presence, so selfless. Became a wonderful artist. Will miss him.”

Benjamin Watson, a former Patriot, emphasized Don’s spiritual foundation, which made an impression on everyone who knew him: “Don and his wife Betsy lived in the area and continued to pour into young men and women like myself and my wife, who were beginning our NFL journey… Don’s godly legacy is evident in the children who call him dad.” Even fans and former teammates chimed in. Like Kevin Gallagher, who summed it up simply and powerfully: “RIP Don Hasselbeck 🙏🏻🕯️Tight End”

Don Hasselbeck’s influence went far beyond the red zone. His influence resonated throughout living rooms and locker rooms, whether it was through quiet mentoring, devoted parenthood, or just being there when it counted. And in his passing, that impact remains. A legacy based on honesty, fatherhood, faith, and love rather than just blocks and touchdowns. The kind of legacy that doesn’t end with a final whistle.