NFL in mourning after Pittsburgh Steelers QB Dwayne Haskins dies at 24

The NFL has been left in shock after 24-year-old Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Dwayne Haskins died in a horrible accident.

RIP Dwayne Haskins. Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Dwayne Haskins was killed Saturday morning when he was hit by a rubbish truck while walking on a South Florida highway.

Haskins, 24, had been in South Florida to train with other Steelers quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers.

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The accident happened around 6.37am on I-595 West at the I-95 interchange outside Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Haskins was killed in the accident, but officials did not reveal why he was walking on the highway, said Lt. Indiana Miranda, highway patrol spokeswoman.

“He was just walking on the highway and got hit,” Miranda said.

The driver “is in full co-operation” with the investigation, she told The Post.

The former Ohio State standout had been in the NFL since 2019, first with Washington and then as a third-string quarterback with the Steelers. The Steelers re-signed him this

off-season to a one-year contract worth $2.5 million.

“I am devastated and at a loss for words with the unfortunate passing of Dwayne Haskins,” Steelers 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.”

The NFL is in mourning over Haskins. Photo by Chris Keane/Getty Images

Tragic. Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images

Haskins was drafted 15th overall in 2019, but he struggled once given the starting job with the Washington Commanders.

“We are devastated to hear the news of the tragic passing of Dwayne Haskins Jr,” Commanders co-owners Dan and Tanya Snyder said in a statement. “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 those who knew him and loved him.”

Prior to making the league, the New Jersey native led Ohio State to the Rose Bowl in the 2018-19 season, beating Washington in Urban Meyer’s final game as head coach. He also set Big Ten single-season records for passing yards (4,831), touchdown passes (50) and total offensive yards (4,939) and was a Heisman Trophy finalist.

“The Ohio State Department of Athletics is terribly saddened to learn of the death of Dwayne Haskins Saturday morning,” Ohio State’s athletic department said in a statement. “We are thinking of the entire Haskins family during this most difficult time. Our prayers are with the family, and with his current and former teammates, coaches, friends and relatives.”

Memorably, Haskins came off the bench in 2017 when J.T. Barrett got hurt midgame in Ann Arbor to lead the Buckeyes to a win over Michigan. That seemed to set Haskins on a path to stardom, but upon reaching the NFL, Washington had issues with his work ethic and repeated COVID-19 violations. Late in the 2020 season, he was benched for Taylor Heinicke before being released.

Dwayne Haskins pictured with wife Kalabrya. Photo: Getty and Instagram

The Steelers signed him in 2021, using him as the third-string QB behind Ben Roethlisberger and Mason Rudolph.

He did not play last season and was inactive for all but one game.

Haskins posted an Instagram story this week showing him having fun, presumably in South Florida, with Steelers running back Najee Harris, among others. He finished it with a quote: “‘It is what it is’ will keep you at peace.”

Social media erupted with tributes for the star.

Ohio State head coach Ryan Day tweeted: “The loss of Dwayne is beyond tragic and extremely difficult to process. For those who knew him closely, he was much more than a great football player. He had a giant heart, old soul and an infectious smile. The Ohio State community and our entire football program are heartbroken.”

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell added: “Struggling to find the words to express how crushing this news is today. Dwayne had such a positive energetic outlook on life and always treated people with genuine kindness. So Talented and with so much positive ahead in his life. Thoughts and Prayers to the Haskins Family.”

Steelers linebacker TJ Watt wrote: “The world lost a great person today. When Dwayne first walked into the locker room I could tell he was an upbeat guy. He was always making people smile, never taking life for granted. His impact on me will last a forever.”

Arizone Cardinals QB Kyler Murray said: “RIP Dwayne Haskins. heartbreaking … Prayers to his family & loved ones. Love yours while they’re here!”

Praying for your loved ones. Make sure you tell your loved ones how much you love them. Gone too soon. 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾#RIPDwayneHaskinspic.twitter.com/Tqh0klTlIl

— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) April 9, 2022

Heartbroken to hear of the loss of Dwayne Haskins Jr. My thoughts and prayers go out to his incredible family. One of the greatest QB’s in Ohio State history, but an even better son, teammate, and friend. God Bless!! pic.twitter.com/lM9Z8LzMhe

— Urban Meyer (@CoachUrbanMeyer) April 9, 2022

This story first appeared in the New York Post and was republished with permission.

Originally published as NFL in mourning after Pittsburgh Steelers QB Dwayne Haskins dies at 24