NFL quarterback Dwayne Haskins was killed early Saturday morning when he was struck by a vehicle in south Florida, according to his agent Cedric Saunders. He was 24.
Florida Highway Patrol spokeswoman Indiana Miranda said Haskins was hit by a dump truck while he was walking on a highway and was pronounced dead at the scene.
“He was attempting to cross the westbound lanes of Interstate 595 when there was oncoming traffic,” Miranda said in an emailed statement.
The former Ohio State University star, who beat out Joe Burrow to become the Buckeyes’ starter in 2018 and finished third in Heisman Trophy voting, was selected by Washington in the first round of the 2019 NFL draft and released by the team after going 3-10 over two seasons.
He was signed by Pittsburgh as a developmental QB, but he didn’t appear in a game last season, though was expected to compete for the starting job following the retirement of Ben Roethlisberger.
“I am devastated and at a loss for words with the unfortunate passing of Dwayne Haskins,” Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said in a statement. “He quickly became part of our Steelers family upon his arrival in Pittsburgh and was one of our hardest workers, both on the field and in our community.
“Dwayne was a great teammate, but even more so a tremendous friend to so many. I am truly heartbroken. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Kalabrya, and his entire family during this difficult time.”
Added Washington owners Dan and Tara Snyder in a statement: “We are devastated to hear the news of the tragic passing of Dwayne Haskins Jr. He was a young man with a tremendous amount of potential who had an infectious personality.
“To say we are heartbroken is an understatement. Our hearts and prayers are with the members of Dwayne’s family and all of those who knew him and loved him.”
Ohio State posted a photo of Haskins on their Twitter feed, topped by the description “Leader. Legend. Forever a Buckeye.”
At Ohio State, Haskins set single-season records for touchdowns passing with 50 and yards passing with 4,831. He was the 2019 Rose Bowl MVP as the Buckeyes went 13-1.
Leader. Legend. Forever a Buckeye. pic.twitter.com/yxwaIewN9V
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) April 9, 2022
The Steelers gave Haskins a chance to resurrect his career in January 2021 when they signed him a month after being released by Washington. Humbled by the decision, Haskins stressed he was eager to work hard and absorb as much as he could from Ben Roethlisberger and Mason Rudolph. He made the roster as the third-stringer but only dressed once, serving as the backup in a tie with Detroit after Roethlisberger was placed into the Covid-19 protocol the night before the game.
Tomlin and general manager Kevin Colbert both praised Haskins for his improvement since joining the team, and the Steelers re-signed him to a one-year deal as a restricted free agent in March. He was expected to compete with Rudolph and Mitch Trubisky for a spot.
“We’re excited to see what Dwayne can provide, either from competition, or maybe he evolves as a starter,” Colbert said in January.
Haskins appeared to be working in south Florida this week with several teammates, including Trubisky and other skill position players, including running back Najee Harris and tight end Pat Freiermuth.
