Don Hasselbeck was more than a former NFL tight end. He was a passionate, creative, and resilient person who made a lasting impact on both sports and art.
Born on April 1, 1955, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Don’s journey from a high school standout to a Super Bowl contributor and later a dedicated artist is a story of talent and heart.
While many are curious about Don Hasselbeck’s net worth, his true wealth lies in his impact on those around him and the diverse paths he has pursued.
Don Grew Up In Cincinnati And Was An Natural Athlete
His 6-foot-7 height made him a force on the football field and the basketball court.
At La Salle High School, he earned all-city honors in both sports, showcasing his versatility and competitive spirit.
His high school years laid the foundation for an outstanding athletic career, but they also hinted at his creative side, which would later define much of his life.
Don’s talent earned him a spot at the University of Colorado Boulder, where he played college football for the Buffaloes and majored in Studio Fine Arts. He graduated in 1977.
His time at Colorado was transformative. Not only was he a standout tight end, ranking 36th on the school’s all-time receptions list, but he also nurtured his love for art.
In 2024, the university recognized his contributions by inducting him into its Athletic Hall of Fame, evidence of his enduring influence on and off the field.
Don’s professional football career began when the New England Patriots selected him in the second round of the 1977 NFL Draft.
Over six seasons with the Patriots, he became a reliable tight end. His best year came in 1981, when he led the team with 46 receptions, 808 yards, and six touchdowns.
His size and skill made him a tough presence, and his work ethic endeared him to teammates and coaches alike.
In 1983, Don was traded to the Los Angeles Raiders, a move that would mark a highlight of his career.
That season, he contributed two touchdown catches during the regular season. He made a memorable play in Super Bowl XVIII by blocking an extra point attempt in the Raiders’ dominant 38-9 victory over Washington.
The Super Bowl ring he earned was a crowning achievement, symbolizing his perseverance and team spirit.
Don’s journey continued with stints at the Minnesota Vikings in 1984 and the New York Giants in 1985.
His final NFL moment came in a poetic flourish: he scored the last touchdown of the Giants’ season in a 17-3 NFC Wild Card win against the defending Super Bowl champion San Francisco 49ers.
Over his nine-year career, Don played in 123 games, recording 107 catches for 1,542 yards and 18 touchdowns.
While these stats are impressive, they only scratch the surface of his impact as a teammate and leader.
After Retiring From The NFL In 1985, Don Didn’t Fade Into The Background
Before his football days, he served as a Marketing Director at Reebok, showcasing his ability to thrive in the business world.
However, his true passion lay elsewhere, in art. Don had always been drawn to creativity, and his degree in Studio Fine Arts gave him the tools to pursue it fully.
In 1985, he founded Hasselbeck Design in Wrentham, Massachusetts, where he channeled his artistic vision into professional projects.
By 2017, he had shifted his focus to painting, working out of Norfolk, Massachusetts. Much like his football career, his artwork was marked by dedication and authenticity.
Whether he was sketching or painting, Don approached his craft with the same intensity he brought to the gridiron.
Despite his love for art, Don never strayed far from football.
He remained a mentor and inspiration to young athletes, including his sons, Matt and Tim Hasselbeck, who became NFL quarterbacks.
Matt, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, led the Seattle Seahawks to a Super Bowl appearance in 2005, while Tim carved out a career as a backup quarterback and later became an ESPN analyst.
Don’s third son, Nathanael, also played football at Boston College and the University of Massachusetts.
Don’s pride in his son’s achievements was boundless, and his role as a father and husband—to his wife of 50 years, Mary Beth “Betsy” Hasselbeck—was central to his life.
Estimating Don Hasselbeck’s Net Worth Is Challenging Due To His Varied Earnings And Investments
During his NFL tenure from 1977 to 1985, player salaries were modest compared to today’s standards.
Top players in the late 1970s and early 1980s earned between $100,000 and $300,000 annually, with bonuses for playoff and Super Bowl appearances.
Based on Don’s nine-year career and his Super Bowl experience, we can estimate that he earned about $1.5 million to $2 million in total salary from the NFL.
When adjusted for inflation, that would be around $4 million to $5 million by the year 2025.
His work as a Marketing Director at Reebok likely provided a stable income before and possibly after his NFL days, with executive salaries in the sports industry ranging from $50,000 to $150,000 per year in the 1980s.
His entrepreneurial venture, Hasselbeck Design, and his later painting career added to his financial portfolio, though art income can vary widely based on sales and commissions.
Don’s estimated net worth is between $1 million and $2 million. This figure is speculative and does not account for his later years or potential investments before his passing.
Sadly, Don passed away on April 14, 2025, at the age of 70 due to cardiac arrest at his home in Norfolk, Massachusetts, leaving behind a legacy cherished by his family, friends, and fans.
Don’s passing came just months after his induction into the University of Colorado’s Athletic Hall of Fame, a moment that celebrated his contributions to football and his alma mater.
At 70, he was still active, painting and staying connected to the sport he loved. His death reminded us of life’s fragility, even for someone who seemed larger than life.
The post Former New York Giants TE, Don Hasselbeck Net Worth: Celebrating His Super Bowl Legacy, Artistic Passion, And Role As A Beloved Father appeared first on Players Bio.