Jared Hassin was a former American football player who played as a running back for the Army Black Knights. He was also a soldier who served in Afghanistan and Iraq. He died on October 24, 2023, at the age of 33. His death shocked and saddened many people who knew him and admired him for his passion, energy, and kindness. This article will explore his life, career, achievements, and legacy.
Early Life and Education
Jared Hassin was born on December 17, 1989, in Delafield, Wisconsin. He was the son of John and Mary Hassin, and had two brothers, Jake and Josh. He grew up loving sports, especially football and basketball. He attended Catholic Memorial High School, where he was a star athlete and a leader. He helped his football team win two state championships and was named the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association Offensive Player of the Year in 2007. He also excelled in academics and was a member of the National Honor Society.
Hassin had a dream of playing college football and serving in the military. He received offers from several schools, but chose to attend the Air Force Academy in 2008. He redshirted his freshman year and decided to transfer to the Military Academy in 2009. He had to sit out another year due to NCAA transfer rules, but he used the time to adjust to the rigorous academic and military demands of West Point.
College Football Career
Jared made his debut for the Army Black Knights in 2010, and he quickly became a star. He rushed for 1,013 yards and scored nine touchdowns as a sophomore, becoming the first Army player to surpass 1,000 yards since 1996. He tied the Army school record with four consecutive 100-yard rushing games and was named to the All-Independent First Team. He also helped the Black Knights win their first bowl game since 1985, defeating SMU in the Armed Forces Bowl.
Hassin’s junior season was hampered by injuries, but he still managed to rush for 316 yards and a touchdown in 10 games. He also earned Academic All-District honors for his performance in the classroom. His senior season was cut short by personal issues, and he left the team with five games remaining. He finished his college career with 1,510 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns in 23 games.
Military Service and Deployment
Hassin graduated from West Point in 2013 with a degree in engineering. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Army and assigned to the 4th Infantry Division at Fort Carson, Colorado. He served as a platoon leader and a company executive officer, and was deployed to Afghanistan in 2014 and Iraq in 2016. He earned several awards and commendations for his service, including the Bronze Star Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Combat Action Badge.
Jared was passionate about his military duty and loved his fellow soldiers. He was also a dog lover and adopted two dogs, Scott and Sherman, from a humane society. He built a memorial for a four-legged hero, Cody, who protected his unit’s tactical outpost in Afghanistan. He also volunteered at animal shelters and supported organizations that rescued and rehabilitated military dogs.
Death and Obituary
Jared died on October 24, 2023, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The cause of his death was not disclosed, but it was reported that he had been struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease caused by repeated head trauma. He had been diagnosed with CTE by the Boston University’s CTE Center, which studies the effects of brain injuries on athletes and veterans.
Jared Hassin’s death was mourned by his family, friends, teammates, and battle buddies. He was remembered as a fearless, charismatic, and compassionate person who lived his life to the fullest. He was laid to rest in the Rocky Mountains, where he loved to hike and ski. His family requested that donations be made in his honor to the Boston University’s CTE Center, the Mission K9 Rescue, or the Catholic Memorial High School Athletics.
Hassin’s life and death also raised awareness and sparked discussions about the challenges and risks faced by football players and military personnel, especially regarding brain health and mental health. His story highlighted the need for more research, prevention, and treatment of brain injuries and mental illnesses among these groups. His story also inspired many people to pursue their passions and dreams, and to care and believe in others with their whole heart.
Jared Hassin was a former American football player and a soldier who died on October 24, 2023, at the age of 33. He played as a running back for the Army Black Knights and rushed for over 1,500 yards and 18 touchdowns in his college career. He also served in the Army and was deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq, earning several medals and badges for his service. He was a passionate, energetic, and kind person who loved sports, animals, and people. He suffered from PTSD and CTE, which may have contributed to his death. He left behind a legacy of courage, excellence, and generosity.
