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, a defensive lineman for the Denver Broncos during the team’s back-to-back Super Bowl wins in 1998 and 1999, has died at the age of 56 after a fight with cancer.

The Broncos announced Hasselbach’s death on Thursday, citing family. 

Hasselbach’s family said he died at home in the Denver area after a six-month battle with cancer, telling ESPN that he was diagnosed with metastatic mucinous adenocarcinoma, a rare form of the disease.

‘We’d like to make it known that he passed from cancer peacefully in the comfort of his home, free of pain,’ Hasselbach’s family said in a statement to the network. ‘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.

‘… We learned he had the illness less than 6 months ago and he fought as hard any human possibly could, with incredible strength.’

Hasselback began his career with the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League. He’s one of 10 players to win a Grey Cup and a Super Bowl.

Hasselbach carries a box spring into a dorm 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, getting 154 tackles, 17 1/2 sacks and four forced fumbles.

He started 29 regular-season games and three playoff games, including the Broncos’ win 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 & teammate Harold Hasselbach has left us much too early. A gentle giant of a man who was always so kind to me and my family, especially my kids. 

‘Praying for his incredible wife Aundrea & their four amazing children, Ashlee, Terran, Aven and Kian. RIP my friend!’

A native of 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.