Matt Hasselbeck Reveals Hidden Heart Risk Ahead of Super Bowl 60

The former Seahawks quarterback opens up about his family's cardiac health scare and how it reshaped his perspective on life beyond football.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 6:31am

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After the unexpected death of his father, former NFL quarterback Matt Hasselbeck underwent heart screenings and discovered he had high LDL cholesterol, a major genetic risk factor for heart disease. This invisible health issue has prompted Hasselbeck to partner with the Family Heart Foundation to encourage others to get screened, even as he continues his own journey to lower his cholesterol levels. As the Seattle Seahawks return to the Super Bowl, Hasselbeck is applying his quarterback mindset to managing his heart health, determined to be around for his family in the years to come.

Why it matters

Hasselbeck's story highlights the importance of proactive heart health screenings, as high cholesterol can be a silent risk factor that doesn't present obvious symptoms. His experience also underscores how an athlete's mindset of preparation and resilience can be applied to managing chronic health conditions, even after retirement from professional sports.

The details

After the sudden death of his father, Don Hasselbeck, from cardiac arrest last April, Matt Hasselbeck underwent a series of medical tests at his mother's request. To his surprise, the tests revealed that Hasselbeck also had high LDL cholesterol, a genetic predisposition he was unaware of despite his history of healthy eating and exercise as an NFL player. Hasselbeck has since been working to lower his cholesterol levels, applying the same disciplined approach he used as a quarterback to managing his heart health. He has also partnered with the Family Heart Foundation's 'Tackle Cholesterol' campaign to encourage others to get screened, emphasizing the simplicity of the process.

  • In April 2025, Matt Hasselbeck's father, Don Hasselbeck, died unexpectedly from cardiac arrest at age 70.
  • After his father's death, Hasselbeck underwent heart, blood, and cholesterol tests at the request of his mother.
  • Hasselbeck learned he had high LDL cholesterol, a major genetic risk factor for heart disease, which he was previously unaware of.

The players

Matt Hasselbeck

A former NFL quarterback who played 17 seasons in the league, including 10 with the Seattle Seahawks, and is now partnering with the Family Heart Foundation to raise awareness about heart health.

Don Hasselbeck

Matt Hasselbeck's father, a former NFL tight end who died unexpectedly from cardiac arrest at the age of 70.

Family Heart Foundation

A non-profit organization that focuses on raising awareness about heart health, including the 'Tackle Cholesterol' campaign that Hasselbeck is supporting.

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What they’re saying

“Unfortunately, my dad had a heart attack last year in April. He was seemingly in great shape … and passed away. So my mom asked my brothers and me to get screened — heart tests, blood tests, cholesterol tests, blood pressure tests. And we did just to honor my mom.”

— Matt Hasselbeck (profootballnetwork.com)

“I was kind of shocked. I felt like I ate well, I exercised well, all the different things. And what I learned was that LDL cholesterol, it can be kind of invisible. It can be a genetic thing that you don't know you have until you get screened.”

— Matt Hasselbeck (profootballnetwork.com)

What’s next

Hasselbeck's numbers are improving, but he continues to work on lowering his LDL cholesterol levels. The judge in his father's case will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Hasselbeck's personal health journey serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of proactive heart health screenings, even for seemingly healthy individuals. His experience highlights how an athlete's mindset can be applied to managing chronic conditions, underscoring the value of taking ownership of one's health and seeking medical guidance to ensure longevity beyond the playing field.