Two-time Broncos Super Bowl champion Harald Hasselbach has died at the age of 56

Harald Hasselbach, the former Denver Broncos defensive lineman and one of at least 10 players to win a Super Bowl and a CFL Gray Cup, has died of cancer at the age of 56, his family announced Thursday.

Hasselbach was diagnosed with diffuse mucinous adenocarcinoma, the family said.

Hasselbach, a starter in Super Bowl XXXIII who also won a ring in Super Bowl XXXII, was coaching the defensive line at Regis Jesuit High School in Aurora, Colorado. The team was informed of Hasselbach’s death on Thursday morning.

Hasselbach’s family said in a statement: “We would like to announce that he died of cancer peacefully at home, without pain.” “He has had a huge amount of support over the past week, including former teammates, coaches and family who have come from all over the world.

“…We learned that he contracted the disease less than 6 months ago and fought as hard as anyone could, with unbelievable strength.”

Hasselbach played in all 121 games during his seven seasons with the Broncos from 1994 to 2000, and did not miss a game during the regular season or postseason. Reporters considered him a sophisticated and accessible player, especially in moments of adversity, and he always conducted himself with professionalism and grace.

He started 29 regular season contests for the Broncos and also started all three games during the team’s run to the Super Bowl XXXIII championship.

Before signing with Denver, the 6-foot-6, 270-pound Hasselbach played four seasons with the Calgary Stampeders in the Canadian Football League, where he was a two-time all-star and helped them win the Gray Cup Championship in 1992. He was inducted into the Football Hall of Fame in British Columbia.

Hasselbach is survived by his wife, Aundrea. his four children, Ashley, Tiran, Avin and Kian; and four grandchildren.