When you play for the Pittsburgh Steelers, you are not simply part of a team or an organization; you are part of a family. On April 9, 2022, a member of this bonded, historic family left us far too soon when Dwayne Haskins Jr. was struck and killed by a truck while crossing a highway.
Associated Press - Jay LaPrete
Steelers QB, Dwayne Haskins Jr., while at Ohio State.
Where it all began
Dwayne Haskins Jr. was a record-setting collegiate quarterback at Ohio State where, in his sophomore year, Haskins set the record in the Big Ten Conference for passing yards and touchdowns (2018).
He was never one to shy away from the larger moments in life; no stage seemed too big for him when he was starting to show the flashes that would get him to the NFL. The same year that saw Haskins set the Big Ten records for touchdowns and passing yards also gave him the chance to shine in front of a national audience. The 2018 Big Ten Football Championship in Indianapolis was the brightest spotlight that Haskins had been under to that point in his football career; he never blinked once. 499 yards and 5 touchdowns later, the Ohio State Buckeyes were crowned Big Ten Champions, and Dwayne Haskins Jr. was awarded the MVP for the game.
In 2019, Haskins repeated his "big stage" performance by leading the Buckeyes to a win against the Washington Huskies in the 2019 Rose Bowl. Haskins, always one to grab that stage when he could, threw for over 250 yards and 3 touchdowns while, again, being named MVP of the game. Everything was pointing towards the National Football League, and when Haskins put his mind to something, it was a good bet he would find a way to succeed.
His NFL career began with the same kind of flourish that his collegiate one was known for; flourish and a bright stage. Haskins was selected with the 15th overall pick by the Washington Commanders. Aware that numbers have greater meaning to those in sports, Haskins had to go through several avenues within the organization to let him wear the same number as legendary Joe Theismann (#7) and, in the same vein of success that he had continued to earn, that privilege was given and when the season began, it was Haskins wearing the number 7 on his jersey - taking all the weight of the legend onto his shoulders as well.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers quarterbacks Ben Roethlisberger and Dwayne Haskins talk during a commercial timeout.
After making his way from backup to starter and back to a second-string QB for the Commanders, Haskins found a new home with the Steelers in 2021 as a solid, reliable backup to franchise quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Everything he used to bring as a starting quarterback, Haskins put into his work ethic as the backup to one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history (Roethlisberger). Known in the locker room as a respected teammate, trustworthy friend, and considered a true brother by many, Haskins found a way to make his mark without needing that spotlight to endure.
AP Photo
The legacy of humanity Haskins left behind
Off the field, Haskins left a legacy in the clothing brand he founded, Kingdom Of Pride, based on his childhood nickname and inspiration, Simba from the Disney movie, The Lion King. When the news that Haskins had passed away was released, the entire stock of the Kingdom Of Pride website sold out, giving the company a platform as they didn't only restock the merchandise on the site, but the sales from the newly stocked items were donated to a charity created to remember and honor what Haskins built and inspired.
Behind the helmet, under the jersey, these are the men who step into that bright spotlight every week and give everything they can to a game that defines passion. Dwayne Haskins Jr. brought that same tenacity and fire to everything he did, no matter if a football was in his hands or not. He only wore the black and gold for a short time, but in our minds, he will always be smiling on the sidelines, Steelers jersey worn with pride, and ready to play the game he loved.
In the words of Master Teague (who now also wears the black and gold) at the memorial for his dear friend, "grief is evidence of love" and Dwayne Haskins Jr. was and is dearly missed and loved.
Rest in power, Dwayne Haskins Jr. One year later, but not ever forgotten.
