The NFL world was shocked and saddened by the news of the untimely passing of Clark Haggans, a former linebacker who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Arizona Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers. Haggans died on Monday, June 19, 2023, at the age of 46. The cause of death is still unknown and under investigation by the coroner’s office.
A Stellar Career in College and NFL
Haggans was born on January 10, 1977, in Torrance, California. He attended Palos Verdes Peninsula High School, where he played football as a defensive end. He then walked on to Colorado State University, where he earned a scholarship and became one of the greatest defensive players in the program’s history. He holds the Colorado State all-time sack record with 33 sacks and was a first-team All-Mountain West selection in 1999. He was inducted into the Colorado State University Athletics Hall of Fame in 2015.
Haggans was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fifth round of the 2000 NFL Draft. He spent seven seasons with the Steelers, becoming a regular starter at left outside linebacker in 2004. He recorded six sacks in 2004 and nine sacks in 2005, helping the Steelers win Super Bowl XL against the Seattle Seahawks. He had a sack and four tackles in the Super Bowl victory.
Haggans left the Steelers as an unrestricted free agent in 2008 and signed a one-year contract with the Arizona Cardinals. He played three more seasons with the Cardinals, reaching Super Bowl XLIII in 2009, where he faced his former team. The Steelers won the game 27-23, denying Haggans a second ring. He finished his career with the San Francisco 49ers in 2012, playing in 13 games and recording two sacks.
Haggans retired from the NFL after the 2012 season. He had a total of 520 tackles, 46.5 sacks and one interception in his 13-year career.
A Tragic Loss for Family and Friends
Haggans is survived by his wife Lisa and their three children: Clark Jr., Chloe and Chase. He also leaves behind his parents, siblings and many other relatives and friends who loved him dearly.
Haggans was remembered by his former teammates, coaches and opponents as a fierce competitor, a loyal friend and a great person. Many of them expressed their condolences and tributes on social media and in interviews.
“Clark was a great teammate and a great friend,” said former Steelers linebacker James Harrison, who played with Haggans from 2002 to 2007. “He was always there for me and always had my back. He was a hard worker, a leader and a champion. I’m heartbroken by his passing.”
“Clark was one of the best players I ever coached,” said former Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau, who coached Haggans from 2004 to 2007. “He had a tremendous motor, a relentless pursuit and a knack for making big plays. He was also a great person, a family man and a positive influence on everyone around him. He will be missed by all of us who knew him.”
“Clark was a tough opponent and a respected rival,” said former Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco, who faced Haggans several times in the AFC North division. “He always played with passion, intensity and professionalism. He was a class act on and off the field. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.”
The cause of death for Haggans is still being investigated by the Larimer County Coroner’s Office in Colorado, where he lived after retiring from football. According to CNN, the coroner’s office said that “no foul play is evident,” but did not provide any further details.
The NFL community mourns the loss of one of its own, as Steelers Clark Haggans cause of death remains unknown. Haggans will be remembered for his achievements on the field, his contributions to the game and his impact on the lives of many people. Rest in peace, Clark Haggans.
