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Ron Jaworski Is Praying For Former NFL Quarterback's Family

Originally posted on The Spun | By Tzvi Machlin | Last updated Apr 15, 2025 1:50 PM ET

The football world lost a beloved player this week as former college All-American and Super Bowl tight end Don Hasselbeck passed away. He was 70 years old and had just celebrated his birthday a few weeks prior.

Hasselbeck played at Colorado where he had 50 receptions for 612 yards and three touchdowns over four years. He was a two-time All-Big 8 First-Team selection and a Second-Team All-American in 1975 who went on to be drafted in the second round by the New England Patriots in the 1977 NFL Draft.

After seven seasons in New England, he would join the Los Angeles Raiders in the middle of the 1983 season. He would go on to win a Super Bowl with the team later that year, blocking an extra point against the Washington Redskins in Super Bowl XVIII.

One man who Hasselbeck crossed paths with during his NFL career was quarterback Ron Jaworski. Taking to X on Monday, Jaworski called Hasselbeck "a longtime friend and a great family man" and offered his thoughts and prayers to his family.

"So sorry to hear of the passing of Don Hasselbeck . Don was a longtime friend and a great family man. The Hasselbeck family is in my thoughts and prayers," Jaworski wrote.

So sorry to hear of the passing of Don Hasselbeck .
Don was a longtime friend and a great family man.
The Hasselbeck family is in my thoughts and prayers.
— Ron Jaworski (@JawsCEOQB) April 15, 2025

Hasselbeck would go on to play nine seasons for four different teams, making 107 receptions for 1,542 yards and 18 touchdowns. Most of his production came with the Patriots.

In 1981, Hasselbeck set a franchise record with 808 receiving yards as a tight end. His record among Patriots tight ends would stand for over a decade.

Hasselbeck's first two sons Matt and Tim would both go on to enjoy successful NFL careers as quarterbacks.

Matt was a three-time Pro Bowler with the Seattle Seahawks and ranks among the team's most prolific passers.

Tim had a less prolific career but is better-known as an analyst and the husband of TV personality Elizabeth Hasselbeck.

NASHVILLE, TN - FEBRUARY 26: Tim Hasselbeck and Elisabeth Hasselbeck attend the "I Can Only Imagine" premiere at Schermerhorn Symphony Center on February 26, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by R. Diamond/Getty Images for Roadside Attractions)R. Diamond/Getty Images

His third son, Nathanael, was a college wide receiver.

Our hearts go out to Hasselbeck's family and loved ones.

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

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