Former Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Clark Haggans dies at age 46

Steelers Nation is grieving today after learning of the passing of a former player. Clark Haggans has died at the young age of 46, according to Colin Dunlap of 93.7 The Fan. Haggans, who primarily played outside linebacker at the professional level, had a 13-year NFL career and played his first 8 seasons as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The details surrounding the cause of death are unknown at this time. Haggans leaves behind Haggans a son, Damon, and a daughter, Alianna.

Haggans was a former fifth-round pick in the 2000 NFL Draft, and the Steelers struck gold on this selection. Though he recorded just 4 starts on his rookie contract from 2000-2003, Haggans became a full-time starter for Pittsburgh in the thick of their impressive stretch of the 2000s.

Haggans often took a backseat to star players like Troy Polamalu and James Harrison, but he was still an integral part of the Steelers Super Bowl run. In 2005, Haggans started 13 games and recorded 9.0 sacks and 4 forced fumbles. He also had a big sack in Super Bowl XL in which the Steelers went on to defeat the Seahawks 21-10.

Haggans left the Steelers just before their second Super Bowl victory following the 2008 season. Ironically, he was on the Arizona Cardinals as his team was defeated by Pittsburgh in Super Bowl XLIII, but Haggans was on injured reserve and wasn't able to see the field during the playoffs.

Haggans finished his NFL career with 520 tackles, 46.5 sacks, and 16 forced fumbles -- starting 104 of 172 games. During his retirement, he was splitting his time between Pittsburgh, Denver, and Las Vegas, according to Steelers Now. Haggans had an inspiring NFL career, and he will be missed.