DENVER, COLORADO: Harald Hasselbach, a Denver Broncos defensive lineman during the team's back-to-back Super Bowl victories in 1998 and 1999, died on Thursday at the age of 56 following a battle with cancer.
Hasselbach's death was announced by the Broncos on Thursday, citing family members.
Hasselbach died at his residence in Denver, following a six-month fight with cancer, according to his family, who told ESPN that he was diagnosed with metastatic mucinous adenocarcinoma, a rare type 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. "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."
Hasselbach coached the defensive line at Regis Jesuit High School in Aurora, Colorado. His untimely demise was announced to the team on Thursday morning.
What is Metastatic Mucinous adenocarcinoma which Hasselbach suffered from?
Metastatic cancer is referred to as Stage 4 cancer. According to the National Institutes of Health, Colorectal mucinous adenocarcinoma (MAC) is a unique clinicopathological subtype in colorectal cancer.
Mucinous adenocarcinoma occurs when mutations (changes) develop in the DNA of the skin cells or tissue of the glands in the colon or rectum, per Bon Secours.
The outlet provides insight into the rare form of the disease Hasselbach suffered, stating that, Adenocarcinomas start developing in the skin or tissues that line the glands and make up 95 percent of colorectal cancers.
There are multiple types of adenocarcinomas, including mucinous adenocarcinoma (MAC) with its cases comprising 10 to 15 percent of all colorectal cancer cases.
Hasselbach’s career highlights
A native of the Netherlands, Harald Hasselbach grew up in Vancouver, British Columbia.
The 6-foot-6, 270 lbs athlete played four seasons for the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League, where he was a two-time All-Star and helped the Stampeders in lifting a Grey Cup championship in 1992.
He was later inducted into the BC Football Hall of Fame. He also played at the University of Washington before joining the NFL team Denver Broncos in 1994.
In his seven-season stint with the Broncos till 2000, the defensive lineman never missed a single game securing 154 tackles, 17 ½ sacks, and four forced fumbles.
He started 29 regular-season games and three playoff games, including the Broncos' Super Bowl victory over the Atlanta Falcons in 1998.
Hasselbach, who started in Super Bowl XXXIII, also won a ring in Super Bowl XXXII. He's on the list of one of 10 players to win both, a Grey Cup and a Super Bowl.
His ex-Broncos teammate Ed McCaffrey shared a tribute 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!” his statement concluded.
Harald Hasselbach is survived by his wife, Aundrea; his children, Ashlee, Terran, Aven, and Kian; and four grandchildren.
