The Hidden Story Behind the Hasselbeck Family: How One Father and One Mother Raised Three Sons to Succeed Both On and Off the Field

Don Hasselbeck and His Three Sons: Parenting and Inspiring
Don Hasselbeck, a former NFL professional football player, left an indelible mark not only in his athletic career but also as a father who inspired and guided his three sons: Matt, Tim, and Nathanael. Passing away on April 14, 2025, he is remembered as a family leader who shaped the career paths and character of his children through hard work, teamwork, and familial love.

Life and Career of Don Hasselbeck
Don Hasselbeck was born on April 1, 1955, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He excelled early on at La Salle High School, earning all-city honors in football and basketball. At the University of Colorado, he was named a second-team All-American in 1975, ranking 36th on the school’s all-time receptions list (Don Hasselbeck Wikipedia). Drafted by the New England Patriots in the second round of the 1977 NFL Draft, Don played nine seasons with the Patriots, Los Angeles Raiders, Minnesota Vikings, and New York Giants, winning Super Bowl XVIII in 1983 with the Raiders.

Beyond his career, Don was a devoted husband, married to Mary Beth “Betsy” Rueve in 1975, and father to Matt, Tim, and Nathanael. The Hasselbeck family lived closely knit in Norfolk, Massachusetts, where Don balanced his NFL career with fatherhood. Despite frequent travel for work, he made time for his sons’ activities, from sports to family events, fostering a nurturing environment.

Matt Hasselbeck: The Eldest Son and Heir
Matt Hasselbeck, born September 25, 1975, is the eldest son and the one who carried forward his father’s football legacy. At Boston College, he was an outstanding quarterback, later selected by the Green Bay Packers in the sixth round of the 1998 NFL Draft. After serving as a backup to Brett Favre, Matt joined the Seattle Seahawks in 2001, leading them to six playoff appearances, including Super Bowl XL in 2005, and earning three Pro Bowl selections (Matt Hasselbeck Wikipedia).

Matt frequently praised his father as a source of inspiration. In an interview with IndyStar, he shared that the tight-knit family environment helped him develop a sense of responsibility and perseverance. Don was not only a role model for hard work but also a supportive father who helped Matt navigate career challenges.

Tim Hasselbeck: The Second Son and Follower
Tim Hasselbeck, born April 2, 1978, also pursued football at Boston College, playing as a quarterback like his brother. He entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the New York Giants in 2001, primarily serving as a backup quarterback for several teams (Tim Hasselbeck Wikipedia). After retiring, Tim became a Fantasy Football analyst for ESPN.

Tim once remarked that his father’s influence was a key factor in their career choices. In an interview with IndyStar, he said, “If our dad was a police officer, we’d probably all be police officers.” This underscores how Don inspired not just through his career but through his teamwork and dedication.

Nathanael Hasselbeck: The Youngest Son and Passion Pursuer
Nathanael Hasselbeck, born December 8, 1981, played wide receiver at Boston College and the University of Massachusetts. While he did not pursue an NFL career, he found success as a real estate broker in Seattle, embodying the work ethic learned from his father (UMass Athletics). Though he has fewer public statements, Nathanael is believed to have been influenced by Don’s support and competitive spirit, which helped him thrive in his new career.

Don Hasselbeck’s Parenting Style
Don Hasselbeck raised his sons in a close-knit family environment where love and support were foundational. Living in Massachusetts during Don’s time with the Patriots, the family was often isolated from extended relatives, making their time together even more precious (IndyStar). Don was not just a father but a mentor, encouraging his sons to pursue their passions and learn from setbacks.

Matt shared that his father was always there, no matter how busy, and supported every decision his sons made. Don also instilled values of hard work and teamwork, which helped his sons succeed in football and beyond.

The Hasselbeck Family Legacy
The Hasselbeck family is a testament to the power of unity and leadership. Don inspired not only through his NFL career but also through how he built a strong family. Matt, Tim, and Nathanael carried forward the values their father instilled, from perseverance to family love. After Don’s passing, Matt wrote on X that he was “the family leader we are most proud of” (USA Today), emphasizing his enduring legacy.