Don Hasselbeck — The Unsung Hero Who Helped the Raiders Win Super Bowl XVIII

In the long, storied history of the NFL, there are moments that are remembered for the dazzling catches, the iconic touchdowns, or the game-winning drives. But often, it’s the quieter, overlooked plays—the ones that don’t make the highlight reels—that prove just as crucial to championship glory. One such moment came in Super Bowl XVIII, and it was delivered by Don Hasselbeck, a tight end who, in that moment, became a silent difference-maker.

The year was 1983, and the Los Angeles Raiders were preparing for the biggest game of the season. Having joined the team earlier that year, Don Hasselbeck was not a marquee name. He wasn’t the star quarterback, the leading rusher, or the headline-grabbing wide receiver. But he was a veteran presence, a reliable blocker, and a football mind with the kind of toughness and intelligence teams need on the biggest stages.

And when the moment came, he delivered.

A Quiet Force Finds His Stage

Don Hasselbeck had already carved out a respectable NFL career before joining the Raiders. Drafted by the New England Patriots in the second round of the 1977 NFL Draft, he spent six seasons in New England. Though never the flashiest player on the roster, Hasselbeck was dependable—a strong tight end with soft hands and the kind of work ethic that endeared him to coaches.

By the time he landed in Los Angeles in 1983, he was seen as a savvy veteran, someone who could add depth, leadership, and grit. What few expected, however, was that Hasselbeck would find himself making one of the most consequential plays of Super Bowl XVIII.

The Moment That Changed the Game

The Raiders faced off against the Washington Redskins at Tampa Stadium on January 22, 1984. While the game eventually turned into a dominant performance for Los Angeles—ending in a 38–9 victory—every point mattered in those early moments.

Following a Raiders touchdown in the first half, Washington attempted to kick an extra point to narrow the margin. That’s when Don Hasselbeck made his move. As the ball was snapped, he burst through the line and blocked the extra point, a rarely seen feat for a tight end. It was a pivotal disruption, both psychologically and strategically, as it kept momentum fully in the Raiders’ favor and demoralized Washington’s special teams unit.

Though it didn’t grab headlines in the moment, that blocked point added to the growing avalanche that would become the Raiders’ Super Bowl triumph. And for those who know the game, it symbolized everything Don Hasselbeck was: prepared, unselfish, and willing to do whatever it took to win.

More Than Just One Play

Of course, Don Hasselbeck’s legacy isn’t built solely on that blocked point. Over the course of his 9-year NFL career, he played in 123 games and totaled over 1,500 receiving yards with 18 career touchdowns. His best season came in 1981, when he led the Patriots in receptions and receiving yards, demonstrating he was more than just a blocker—he was a complete player.

But perhaps even more impressive than his numbers was his attitude. Hasselbeck was known across the league for his professionalism and humility. He understood the game, respected its traditions, and showed up ready to work every single day.

His teammates praised his calm under pressure. Coaches lauded his football IQ. And after retirement, it became even clearer that Don Hasselbeck’s greatest contributions to the sport may have come not only on the field—but in the lives he shaped.

A Family of Football

If the name “Hasselbeck” sounds familiar, that’s because Don passed his passion for the game on to his sons. He is the father of Matt Hasselbeck, a three-time Pro Bowl quarterback who led the Seattle Seahawks to Super Bowl XL, and Tim Hasselbeck, a former NFL quarterback and current ESPN analyst.

The elder Hasselbeck didn’t just raise athletes—he raised thoughtful, grounded men who carried on his legacy of hard work, perseverance, and respect for the game. In interviews, both sons have spoken about the example their father set: not just in how he played, but in how he lived. He balanced football with fatherhood, success with humility, and competition with character.

In fact, one of Don’s proudest moments wasn’t something he did—it was watching his sons find their own path in the NFL, knowing that his quiet guidance had helped pave the way.

Remembering a Champion

Don Hasselbeck passed away on April 14, 2025, at age 70, after a sudden cardiac arrest at his home. The news struck a chord across the football world. Tributes poured in from former teammates, fans, and colleagues. But perhaps the most moving came from his son, Matt:

“He was a husband, a father, a grandfather, a friend, a coach, a player, a co-worker, an artist, a mentor, and a storyteller. While he was an All-American at Colorado and a Super Bowl champion with the Raiders, what we are most proud of is that he was the leader of our family.”

Those words reflect a life that transcended stats and Super Bowls. Don Hasselbeck wasn’t just a football player—he was a man of substance, with a life rich in meaning, relationships, and impact.

A Legacy Etched in the Game

Don Hasselbeck’s blocked point in Super Bowl XVIII will forever remain a part of Raiders lore, a moment that turned the tide and helped cement a championship. But his true legacy lies in the quiet strength he brought to every huddle, every locker room, and every life he touched.

He showed the world that you don’t need to be the star to be unforgettable. That sometimes, the most lasting impact comes not from the spotlight—but from the shadows, where selflessness and preparation meet opportunity.

In the end, Don Hasselbeck gave everything he had to the game he loved—and the game, and those who play it, are better because of him.