Life: A Tribute To Dwayne Haskins
Dwayne Haskins, former Washington Commander, and Pittsburgh Steeler quarterback, tragically passed away on April 9th in south Florida after being hit by a dumpster truck. According to Gerry Dulac (Steelers Radio Network host), Haskins was “headed to the Fort Lauderdale airport to return to Pittsburgh when the accident occurred.” (tweet via Blitz_Burgh)
Dwayne Haskins Impact
The entire NFL and sports community paid their tributes to him over social media, saying that he was a great person on and off the field. He was only 24 years old.
Haskins had just signed a one-year restricted free agent tender last month.
While writing this article, I went on “The Bus’s” Twitter profile and came across these two tweets:
“I have always told my kids that whatever you start, you finish. Today I started my final semester at the University of Notre Dame. I knew when I left 27 years ago to go to the NFL, that I would be back one day. It’s never too late to pursue your dreams and further your education.”
(in which he quoted Lou Holtz): “If you’re bored with life, if you don’t get up every morning with a burning desire to do things, you don’t have enough goals.”
I felt these tweets. This was right on time. This made me think about how short and fragile life is. Haskins was so young and had so many great things ahead of him. Football aside, he’s leaving behind a wife, parents, and other family and friends.
These two tweets that I shared from “The Bus” are summaries of my thoughts about the Dwayne Haskins situation. I’m here to say this to all Steeler fans, Commanders fans, and every sports fan out there: cherish every day and “show up” to the “field” of life every day. Even on your worst days, you can still learn something about yourself.
Dwayne Haskins Tribute
There were additional tweets shared by well-known sports professionals that highlighted Haskins’ shortcomings. After these posts, some people were highly disappointed in how these professionals commented on Haskins’ death.
This is the way I look at it….He got to live his dream. A dream that only a chosen FEW get to have. Haskins knew the loops and hurdles he had to go through to become the starting quarterback, but he never gave up. He had humility. He was conscious in regards to his image, having the integrity to step up and be a leader (despite being very young). I think he carried himself very well.
Don’t put off your dreams or become fearful that they won’t work. You can accomplish a lot of goals by having a “go-getter”, positive attitude. Confidence: you have to own it. No matter what age you are, you can make a lasting impact on the people around you. And when you do, be like Dwayne: humble.
HASKINS SHOWED UP EVERY DAY, and you can tell that HE WANTED TO SHOW UP EVERY DAY. It is evident that he was a great teammate, but he was an even better husband, son, and friend to many people. On Haskin’s biography on his Twitter account reads: “a humble man is all this world will ever need.” (with prayer hands emoji).
“Littsburgh (Haskins’ listed location on Twitter)” is going to miss you, Dwayne.
My deepest thoughts and condolences go out to Haskins’ family, friends, teammates, Steelers Nation, and the world of sports.