Former NFL player Carlton Haselrig died Wednesday at the age of 54. The former Steeler and Jet had been battling liver disease, according to Trib Live.
Haselrig was a tremendous wrestler at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. He won six NCAA titles, three at the Division II level and three at Division I. Haselrig’s all-time college wrestling record was 143-2-1 and he went 122 straight matches without a loss.
After Haselrig’s college wrestling career, he moved onto professional football. He was drafted as a guard in the 12th round of the 1989 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Haselrig didn’t become a starter with the Steelers until 1991 when he started 16 games. In 1992, he was a Pro Bowler and a First-Team All-Pro. He only started four games in 1993, though. Haselrig, who struggled with drugs and alcohol during and after his career, did not play in the NFL in 1994.
He joined the Jets in 1995. Haselrig spent one season in New York, starting 11 games before ultimately calling it a career.
Haselrig tried MMA from 2008 to 2009 and went 3-2 in his matches before retiring.