Steelers QB Dwayne Haskins killed in auto accident

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Dwayne Haskins was working on a second chapter for his young NFL career. The 24-yr-outdated quarterback was spending time with some teammates with the Pittsburgh Steelers, having prepared to contend for a commencing position.

That is when his life was lower short.

Haskins was killed early Saturday early morning when he was strike by a dump truck even though he was going for walks on a South Florida freeway. Florida Highway Patrol spokeswoman Lt. Indiana Miranda said Haskins was pronounced lifeless at the scene.

“He was attempting to cross the westbound lanes of Interstate 595 when there was oncoming targeted visitors,” Miranda stated in an emailed statement.

Miranda didn’t say why Haskins was on the highway at the time. The incident caused the freeway to be shut down for many hrs, and Miranda mentioned it is “an open targeted visitors homicide investigation.”

A 2019 very first-spherical draft choose by Washington, Haskins was produced by the staff immediately after likely 3-10 over two seasons. He was signed by Pittsburgh as a developmental QB, but he did not appear in a activity past period.

Haskins appeared to be in South Florida this week with a number of teammates, including fellow quarterback Mitch Trubisky, working again Najee Harris and limited end Pat Freiermuth.

Haskins’ demise sparked an outpouring of grief from various corners of the NFL, specially from previous teammates with the Steelers and Commanders.

“I am devastated and at a reduction for words with the unfortunate passing of Dwayne Haskins,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin mentioned. “He immediately grew to become element of our Steelers family members upon his arrival in Pittsburgh and was a person of our most difficult workers, equally on the subject and in our local community. Dwayne was a wonderful teammate, but even a lot more so a great pal to so numerous. I am actually heartbroken.

“Our feelings and prayers are with his spouse, Kalabrya, and his entire relatives in the course of this complicated time.”

Washington mentor Ron Rivera reported he was “absolutely heartbroken” to learn of Haskins’ demise. “Dwayne was a talented young male who had a very long lifestyle in advance of him,” Rivera said in a launch. “This is a incredibly sad time and I am honestly at a loss for terms. I know I talk for the rest of our group in saying he will be sorely skipped. Our full staff is sending our heartfelt condolences and views and prayers to the Haskins family members at this time.”

Ohio State posted a photograph of Haskins on its Twitter feed, topped by the description “Leader. Legend. Endlessly a Buckeye.”

At Ohio Point out, Haskins established solitary-time 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.

Ohio Point out coach Ryan Working day, who was the quarterbacks mentor all through Haskins’ last period at the college, referred to as Haskins’ dying “beyond tragic.”

“For people who knew him closely, he was much additional than a good soccer participant,” Working day posted on Twitter. “He had a giant coronary heart, outdated soul and an infectious smile. The Ohio Condition local community and our complete football program are heartbroken.”

The Steelers gave Haskins a opportunity to resurrect his job in January 2021 when they signed him a thirty day period immediately after staying produced by Washington. Humbled by the determination, Haskins pressured he was keen to perform really hard and take up as substantially as he could from Ben Roethlisberger and Mason Rudolph.

Haskins produced the roster as the 3rd-stringer but only dressed the moment, serving as the backup in a tie with Detroit right after Roethlisberger was positioned into the COVID-19 protocol the night in advance of the match.

“The planet lost a fantastic man or woman right now,” Steelers star T.J. Watt posted on Twitter. “When Dwayne first walked into the locker space I could inform he was an upbeat male. He was generally building men and women smile, never ever using life for granted.”

Tomlin and common manager Kevin Colbert equally praised Haskins for his improvement considering the fact that joining the group, and the Steelers re-signed him to a one-year offer as a limited no cost agent in March. He was anticipated to compete with Rudolph and Trubisky at coaching camp.

“Dwayne intended so significantly to so many people,” Steelers defensive lineman Cameron Heyward posted on Twitter. “His smile was infectious and he was a dude you wanted to be all over. We are all in shock about shedding him. We are heading to miss out on the heck out of him as effectively. We missing you way too early. Fortunately I got a probability to get to know you. RIP DH.”

ESPN was the initially to report Haskins had died.

“Devastated,” Rudolph claimed on social media.