EAGAN, Minn. — The Vikings are sending condolences to the family of tight end Don Hasselbeck, who passed away Monday after suffering cardiac arrest.
The NFL Legend played one (1984) of his nine pro seasons in Minnesota before raising sons Matthew and Tim, who each played quarterback at Boston College before making their ways to the NFL.
Matthew, who played in 209 regular-season games and went 85-75 as a starter, posted about his father on Monday, writing:
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.
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.
Tim responded to that post with a pair of pictures spanning decades of the gridiron.
Don played college football at Colorado before he was selected in the second round (52nd overall) of the 1977 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. He made the NFL All-Rookie Team and totaled 99 receptions for 1,444 yards with 15 touchdowns in 86 games with the Patriots.
A September 1983 trade landed Don with the Oakland Raiders, and he helped the squad win Super Bowl XVIII. The Vikings claimed him off waivers ahead of the 1984 season, and he appeared in all 16 games. Don finished his playing career with the Giants in 1985. He appeared in 123 regular-season games and made 30 starts.
