Dwayne Haskins was working on a second chapter in his fledgling NFL career. The 24-year-old quarterback spent time with some teammates at the Pittsburgh Steelers while preparing to compete for a starting job. Then his life was cut short.
Haskins was killed when he was hit by a dump truck on a freeway around 6:35 a.m. Saturday in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Florida Highway Patrol spokeswoman Lt. Indiana Miranda said Haskins was pronounced dead at the scene.
“He was trying to cross westbound on Interstate 595 when there was oncoming traffic,” Miranda said. Miranda didn’t say why Haskins was on the freeway at the time, adding it was “an open road homicide investigation.”
Haskins, a 2019 first-round draft pick by Washington, was released by the team after winning 3-10 in two seasons. He was signed by Pittsburgh as a development QB, but he didn’t appear in a game last season.
Haskins was in Florida this week with several teammates, including quarterback Mitch Trubisky, running back Najee Harris and tight end Pat Freiermuth. Haskins’ death sparked grief in many corners of the NFL, particularly among former Steelers and Commanders teammates.
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“I am devastated and speechless at the unfortunate death of Dwayne Haskins,” said Steelers coach Mike Tomlin. “Once he arrived in Pittsburgh, he quickly became part of our Steelers family and was one of our hardest workers, both on the field and in our community. Dwayne was a great teammate but even more of a great friend to so many. I’m really heartbroken.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Kalabrya and his entire family at this difficult time.”
Washington coach Ron Rivera said he was “absolutely heartbroken” to learn of Haskins’ death.
In college, Haskins set Ohio State records for 50 touchdowns and 4,831 yards in one season. He was the 2019 Rose Bowl MVP as the Buckeyes went 13-1. Ohio State posted a photo of Haskins on its Twitter feed accompanied by the caption, “Leader. Legend. Forever a horse chestnut.” (AP)
Elsewhere in the NFL: Defensive lineman Calais Campbell is returning to Baltimore on a two-year contract. He started in 14 games last season and finished with 1½ sacks. He has 93½ sacks in 14 NFL seasons with the Cardinals, Jaguars and Ravens.
• The Chargers signed wide receiver and return specialist DeAndre Carter to a one-year contract. He was with Washington last season and led the NFC in total return yards, kickoff return yards, kickoff returns, and kickoff return average. (AP)
City2 plays Sunday: City2, who are undefeated in their first two games, will face Seattle Sounders development team Tacoma Defiance in an MLS Next Pro match Sunday at 7:00 p.m. at SLU’s Hermann Stadium. Tacoma has a win and a tie in their two games, beating the Real Salt Lake development team 4-0 and then separating the FC Dallas team 1-1. Both games were at home and Tacoma was able to field players from its first team; City2 coach John Hackworth wasn’t sure how many of Tacoma’s more experienced players would make the trip. (Tom Timmerman)