Former NFL first-round draft pick Dwayne Haskins died at the age of 24 after being hit by a car in Florida on Saturday morning.
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The sad news was reported by the player’s agent, Cedric Saunders, to the ESPN network.
Haskins, who was drafted by Washington, had been training since January 2021 with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was also in South Florida, in Boca Raton, to train with several teammates, including new quarterback Mitchell Trubisky.
“I am devastated and at a loss for words with the tragic death of Dwayne Haskins. He quickly became part of the Steelers family upon his arrival in Pittsburgh and was one of our hardest workers, both on the field and in the community. Dwayne was an excellent teammate, but above all a very good friend for many. I am heartbroken,” head coach Mike Tomlin said in a statement.
Incredible potential
The quarterback was picked 15th overall in the 2019 NFL Draft. He played 16 games over two seasons with the Washington Football Team. The Ohio State University alum had been pushed into the No. 1 quarterback chair in the US nation’s capital after Alex Smith suffered a serious injury.
After missing several team meetings and appearing without a face covering in public places during the COVID-19 pandemic, Washington released Haskins at the end of 2020. He had started six meetings this season- there, completing five touchdown passes and being the victim of seven interceptions.
“He was a young man with immense potential and an infectious personality,” Commanders co-owners Dan and Tanya Snyder said. To say we’re heartbroken isn’t strong enough. Our hearts and prayers go out to Dwayne’s family members and all who knew and loved him.”
In college, his 2018 season was one for the history books. After edging Joe Burrow for the Buckeyes’ No. 1 quarterback, Haskins set “Big Ten” records for touchdown passes (50), yards through the air (4,831) and total yards through attack (4939). He had thus been a finalist for the prestigious Heisman trophy.
“Leader. Legend. Forever a Buckeye,” the Ohio State football program wrote on its Twitter account.
what they said
“Dwayne was a talented young man who had a long life ahead of him. It’s a very sad moment and I’m lost for words. I know I speak for the rest of the team saying he will be sorely missed.” – Ron Rivera, Commanders Head Coach
“The world lost a great person today. When Dwayne first walked into the locker room, I immediately knew he was a positive guy. He always made people smile, never took life for granted. His impact on me will last forever.” – TJ Watt, Steelers teammate
“One of the greatest quarterbacks in Ohio State history, but an even better son, teammate and friend.” – Urban Meyer, former Haskins coach at Ohio State
“Dwayne was important to so many people. His smile was contagious and he was the guy you wanted to be around. We are all in shock at his loss. We will truly miss you. We lost you too soon. I’m lucky to have had the chance to know you.” – Cam Heyward, Steelers teammate
“One of my roommates in college…we played in the same all-star game in eighth grade…we talked about traveling to get together for an offseason, I thought we’d have time .” – Los Angeles Rams safety Jordan Fuller