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Former NFL Star Matt Hasselbeck Thanks Everyone For Prayers

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Apr 23, 2025 2:33 PM ET

NFL have been keeping former Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck in their prayers for the past few days - and for good reason.

Hasselbeck's father, former NFL tight end Don Hasselbeck, passed away last week after suffering a heart attack. He played for the Patriots, Raiders, Vikings and Giants during his career. Prior to going pro, he was an all-conference player for the Colorado Buffaloes.

Don Hasselbeck had 107 catches for 1,542 yards and 18 touchdowns during his NFL tenure from 1977-1985. The highlight of that run had to be winning a Super Bowl with the Raiders in 1984.

"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," Matt Hasselbeck said last week. "He helped set our feet on solid ground. Married to and in love with our mom, Betsy, for 50 years, they built their house on the rock of Jesus Christ. Our dad’s prayer journals, in his meticulous handwriting and in a rainbow of pen colors, hold each of our names and needs. Many of you who have known our father, have been thoughtfully prayed for in the pages of his journals."

That tribute from Hasselbeck was immediately met with thoughts and prayers from the NFL community.

On Tuesday afternoon, Hasselbeck thanked his fans and peers for all their prayers during this difficult time.

"A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended in person or in spirit yesterday," Hasselbeck wrote on social media. "We did our best to remember and honor my dad at his funeral. It’s difficult to adequately eulogize such an amazing man in such a short amount of time. But, I hope to honor my dad, not just during a funeral service or in a post, but with a life well lived, just like you dad! Big D, thank you for your commitment to Jesus and to our family. An amazing example set by an amazing man! We love you Dad!"

We'll continue to keep the Hasselbeck family in our thoughts.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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