Former Denver Broncos defensive lineman Harald Hasselbach, one of at least 10 players to have won both a Super Bowl and the CFL’s Grey Cup, has died of cancer at age 56, his family announced Thursday.

Hasselbach had been diagnosed with metastatic mucinous adenocarcinoma, the family said.

Hasselbach, who started in Super Bowl XXXIII and 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 his death Thursday morning.

“We’d like to make it known that he passed from cancer peacefully in the comfort of his home, free of pain,” Hasselbach’s family said in a statement. “He’s had an overwhelming amount of support over the last week, including past teammates, coaches and family that’ve flown in from around the world.

“… We learned he had the illness less than 6 months ago and he fought as hard any human possibly could, with incredible strength.”

Hasselbach played 121 games over his seven seasons with the Broncos from 1994 to 2000, never missing a game during the regular season or postseason. He was regarded by reporters as a classy, accessible player, especially in moments of adversity, always conducting himself with professionalism and grace.

He started 29 regular-season games for the Broncos and all three 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 for the Calgary Stampeders of the CFL, where he was a two-time all-star and helped them win a Grey Cup championship in 1992. He was later inducted into the B.C. Football Hall of Fame.

Hasselbach is survived by his wife, Aundrea; his children, Ashlee, Terran, Aven and Kian; and four grandchildren.

Former Pro Bowl WR DeSean Jackson to retire as member of Eagles

Former Pro Bowl wide receiver DeSean Jackson is retiring as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday and will be an honorary captain for Sunday’s game against the 49ers at Lincoln Financial Field.

Jackson played eight of his 15 NFL seasons with the Eagles, earning all three of his Pro Bowl nods with Philadelphia. He was a game-breaker as a receiver and returner, leading the league in yards per reception four times.

“DeSean Jackson was a dynamic playmaker who captivated Eagles fans with his game-breaking speed, unique skill set, and explosive play,” Eagles chairman Jeffrey Lurie said in a statement. “What made DeSean truly stand out during his accomplished 15-year career was his ability to make miraculous plays look routine.”

There was nothing routine about his most memorable play. On Dec. 19, 2010, the Eagles overcame a 31-10 fourth-quarter deficit against the rival Giants. New York punted with 12 seconds left, and Jackson returned it 65 yards for a touchdown as time expired. The game came to be known as the “Miracle at the New Meadowlands.”

Jackson also played for Washington, Tampa Bay, Baltimore, Las Vegas and the Los Angeles Rams. He appeared in seven regular-season games for L.A. in 2021, and although he wasn’t with the team in the playoffs, he still earned a Super Bowl ring.

Colts RB Jonathan Taylor to undergo thumb surgery

Indianapolis Colts star running back Jonathan Taylor will undergo thumb surgery on Wednesday in Los Angeles, team owner Jim Irsay told ESPN on Tuesday.

Irsay said the Colts are hoping he misses at most two to three weeks.

Taylor rushed for 91 yards and two touchdowns in the Colts’ victory Sunday over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and played the entire game. He closed out the win with an 8-yard run with 1:24 remaining that gave the Colts a first down and allowed Indianapolis to run out the clock. Taylor played 42 snaps in the game and carried the ball 15 times

It has been an eventful season for Taylor, starting with his very public contract standoff and ankle injury that sidelined him for the first four games. But Taylor’s performance has been impressive since he signed a three-year, $42 million extension in October and returned to the lineup.

Taylor’s workload had consistently increased in recent weeks, with the share of carries between him and backup Zack Moss tilted more toward Taylor lately. Taylor has 414 yards on 100 carries since returning.

If Taylor misses time, he’ll give way to Moss, who was one of the NFL’s leading rushers earlier this season in Taylor’s absence. Moss has a career-best 672 yards and five rushing touchdowns this season, surpassing his previous high of 481 yards as a rookie in Buffalo in 2020.