Today marks a dark day for the Denver Broncos, as Harald Hasselbach has sadly passed away. The former defensive end won two Super Bowls in his career and has undoubtedly left behind one of the greatest legacies in the NFL. Hasselbach had metastatic mucinous adenocarcinoma, a type of severe cancer. His battle with the disease lasted for more than 6 months before he breathed his last breath earlier this week.
Tragically, he was only 56 years old, and the world of football will mourn the loss of a stalwart who was gone too soon. In remembrance of his demise, several fans expressed their saddening condolences, including Vic Lombardi, the legendary baseball player. Lombardi took to X to show his frustration with the disease that took Hasselbach away from the world.
Vic Lombardi curses the disease that took Hasselbach’s life
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On November 24, Lombardi took to X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, to express his thoughts for Hasselbach and his family during the tough time of his passing.
Deepest condolences to the family of former @Broncos Harald Hasselbach. Such a good dude. A gentle giant. Harald was only 56. Stupid cancer.
— Vic Lombardi (@VicLombardi) November 24, 2023
He said, “Deepest condolences to the family of former @Broncos Harald Hasselbach. Such a good dude. A gentle giant. Harald was only 56. Stupid cancer.” Hasselbach was known to be a hero both in the Canadian Football League as well as the NFL. The sentiment shared in the football community is that it is a pity that cancer stole such a hero from us at such a tender age. No matter where he is, Hasselbach is a name that’ll be etched in the memory of millions as the world remembers his impact on the sport today.
The impact of Hasselbach on the sport of football
The defensive lineman made history when he became one of at least 10 players to win championships both in the NFL and the CFL. While he was with the Broncos, he recorded an astounding number of 154 tackles, 17.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles. Additionally, Hasselbach was one of the driving forces behind the Broncos’ back-to-back Super Bowl wins during the 1997 and 1998 seasons.
Harald Hasselback was tough defensive end for the Broncos for seven seasons and a true gentleman off the field. One of few players to win championships in NFL and CFL. Best American football player born in Netherlands. Sympathies to his wife, 4 children and 4grandchildren.
— Woody Paige (@woodypaige) November 23, 2023
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He joined the Broncos after spending four years with the Calgary Stampeders in the CFL. During his time with the Calgary team, he was a two-time All-Star and also won the Grey Cup in 1992. There aren’t enough accolades in Hasselbach’s name, but he will live on forever in the BC Football Hall of Fame, where he was inducted in 2016.
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Rest in peace, mighty legend. Football lost one of its greatest warriors today.
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