Henry Hasselbeck, Son of Former NFL QB Matt Hasselbeck, Commits to Michigan State

He flipped from a powerhouse lacrosse program, opting to play college football instead.

Matt Hasselbeck carved out an impressive NFL career, playing from 1998 to 2015 with the Packers, Seahawks, Titans and Colts. He made three Pro Bowls as Seattle’s starting quarterback and is in the franchise’s Ring of Honor. 

On Friday, his teenage son has made a big decision as he looks to follow in those footsteps.

Henry Hasselbeck, a three-star quarterback for Xaverian Brothers High School (Mass.), announced his commitment to Michigan State on Friday evening. 

Excited to announce that I have committed to play football at Michigan State! @MSU_Football @Coach_mtucker @JayJohnsonFB @MSUFBRecruiting @JakeReiling97 @CoachCKap @M2_QBacademy @XBHS_Football #GoGreen ⚔️ 🟢⚪️ pic.twitter.com/nmLLGf6S1O

— Henry Hasselbeck (@HenryHasselbeck) July 1, 2023

Hasselbeck becomes the first quarterback in Michigan State’s 2024 recruiting class. He chose the Spartans over a number of notable programs, including his father’s alma mater Boston College, Pitt and Arizona.

An impressive athlete in multiple sports, Hasselbeck had been slated to play college lacrosse at Maryland. He addressed the change of heart on Twitter Friday, before his Michigan State announcement.

“I’d like to publicly thank [Maryland men’s lacrosse coach John Tillman] for his unwavering support and the opportunity to play lacrosse at the University of Maryland,” Hasselbeck wrote. “A true dream for me. Thank you to [assistant coaches] Jake and Jesse Bernhardt and all of @TerpsMLax for treating me like family. I am your biggest fan.

“With that being said, I’ve decided to play college football instead.”

The announcement comes on what must have been a bittersweet day for the Hasselbeck family, as Matt was one of the many on-air personalities laid off by ESPN Friday. He joined the network in 2016.