Elisabeth Hasselbeck Mourns the Death of Her Father-in-Law, Former NFL Tight End Don Hasselbeck

Elisbaeth Hasselbeck shared memories of her father-in-law, former NFL player Don Hasselbeck, after he passed away suddenly on Monday, April 14. 

Don, who played nine seasons as a tight end in the NFL from 1977 to 1985, died after suffering a cardiac event at his home. His son, former NFL quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, first revealed the news via Instagram. 

Elisabeth, 47, shared a recent photo of Don painting via her Instagram Story and a Bible verse to commemorate his death. “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him,” the verse read. 

The former View cohost also shared messages from The Ensworth School football community, where Don coached alongside his sons, Matt, 49, and Tim, 47, Elisabeth’s husband.

“Forever thankful for the wisdom,” wrote former Ensworth defensive lineman Ethan Utley, who now plays at the University of Tennessee. “Heaven gained a great one today ❤️.”

Elisabeth reposted a message from Ensworth coach Kolt Peavey, who wrote, “One of the greatest men from one of the greatest families I’ve had the joy and privilege of knowing. I am a better man for having known Don Hasselbeck and for witnessing the Godly life he lived. He valued Jesus and family above all else and displayed it every single day. I’m forever grateful for him.”

Matt, who played 17 seasons in the NFL as a quarterback for four different teams, announced the passing of his father with “deep sorrow.”

“We want to thank our parents’ neighbors and all the medical professionals who came to his aid,” Matt wrote. “He was a great husband, father, grandfather, friend, coach, player, coworker, artist, mentor, and storyteller. Despite being an All-American at Colorado and a Super Bowl Champion with the Raiders, what we are most proud of is the leader he was for our family.”

Matt added, “There is a 6’ 7” hole in our hearts. He will be so missed by so many. We are beyond grateful that he was our dad and look forward to Heaven and being all together again.”

Don is survived by his wife, Betsy, and sons Matt and Tim, who also played three seasons in the NFL from 2003 to 2007. 

Earlier this month, Elisabeth — who married Tim in 2002 and shares daughter Grace, 20, and sons, Taylor, 17, and Isaiah, 15, with the former quarterback — celebrated Don’s 70th birthday with a poignant message via Instagram.

“You are a giant hero to your grandchildren — and to me,” Elisabeth wrote April 1. “You love the Lord, and devote yourself with discipline that I’m in awe of. You do the quiet hard work when no one is looking.”