Harald Hasselbach dead at 56: Ex-Denver Broncos star and two-time Super Bowl champion dies
TWO-TIME Super Bowl champion Harald Hasselbach has died at age 56, his family announced.
News of his death was confirmed on Thanksgiving after his battle with cancer.
Hasselbach won two Super Bowls with the Denver Broncos and also won the Canadian Football League's Grey Cup.
He spent seven seasons in the NFL from 1994 to 2000, all with the Broncos.
His family released a statement following his death.
"We'd like to make it known that he passed from cancer peacefully in the comfort of his home, free of pain.
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"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," they said.
Hasselbach was born in Amsterdam, Netherlands in 1967.
He attended South Delta high school in British Columbia, Canada.
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The defensive end went on to play college football for Washington.
He was selected in the fifth round of the CFL Draft in 1989 by the Calgary Stampeders.
The defensive end was part of the team that won the Grey Cup in 1992.
Two years later he earned a step up to the NFL and a move to the Denver Broncos.