Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Dwayne Haskins died Saturday at the age of 24 after being hit on the highway by a vehicle in Florida, his franchise said, confirming a report from ESPN. Citing Cedric Saunders, the player’s agent, the American television network reported that Haskins did not survive his injuries after being hit by a car in South Florida, where he was training with his team.
“I am devastated and at a loss for words after the unfortunate passing of Dwayne Haskins,” team coach Mike Tomlin said in a statement. “He quickly became part of the Steelers family upon his arrival in Pittsburgh and was one of our most involved players, both on the field and in our community. Dwayne was a great teammate, but even more so a great friend to many. I am truly heartbroken”.
“Everything he did was beautiful”
“The NFL family mourns the tragic loss of Dwayne Haskins, and we offer our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones,” the professional football league tweeted. “We are heartbroken. (…) He was a magnificent young man. Everything he did was beautiful, ”said Urban Meyer, the Jacksonville Jaguars coach, who had recruited the young player while he was still playing at the university level, in Ohio.
Drafted in 15th position by the Washington Commanders in 2019, he stayed two seasons in the capital, weighed down by various injuries, before signing with Pittsburgh last season, to be one of the liners for veteran quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. The latter having retired this winter, Haskins was seeking his succession as starter.