Colts Backup QB Matt Hasselbeck Fights Through Illness to Win Game, Sheds Tears in Post-Game Interview — Now We Know Why

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Matt Hasselbeck got emotional during a post-game interview Thursday night, but the exact reason was not immediately clear.

But a tweet sent out by the NFL player early Friday could reveal why he teared up after his team's 27-20 win over the Houston Texans.

This game ball is in honor of Michelle Bair who lost her battle with cancer today. pic.twitter.com/7PkHLLCFe0

— Matthew Hasselbeck (@Hasselbeck) October 9, 2015

"This game ball is in honor of Michelle Bair who lost her battle with cancer today," Hasselbeck tweeted.

In a post-game interview, Hasselbeck was asked about his illness going into the game and his struggle to push through to the end.

"For some unknown reaso,n I was able to finish," the emotional quarterback said. "I can't explain it. It's amazing."

Hasselbeck said at the time that he was crying because he had "nothing left," while adding it had been an "emotional day."

Lots of emotion from Hasselbeck. What an effort: pic.twitter.com/UibAPN7FFM

— Derek Schultz (@Schultz975)

October 9, 2015

(H/T: Bleacher Report)

–

Follow Jon Street (@JonStreet) on Twitter