Steelers quarterback Dwayne Haskins has passed away at the age of 24.
Haskins died as a result of being hit by a car this morning (9 April) while training with other Steelers quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers in South Florida.
The National Football League (NFL) star's agent, Cedric Saunders, confirmed his passing.
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In the first rounds of the NFL draft in 2019, Haskins was selected by the Washington Redskins. However, after two seasons he was released.
The following season, in 2021, he signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The quarterback played in the NFL for three seasons.
He was one of only seven quarterbacks to reach 50 touchdowns in a single NCAA season.
Hawkins didn't play last season, something senior writer for The Athletic and NFL coverer Stephen Holder reflected on upon hearing of the quarterback's passing.
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He wrote on Twitter: "Dwayne Haskins’ death is another reminder that we should pay attention to how we talk about athletes even when they fall short of expectations. We should always remember to treat them with humanity. It’s just a game. I try to follow this advice but admittedly fall short sometimes.
"I’ve had this happen a couple times in my career: Something terrible happened to a player I wrote really critical things about or even ridiculed, and it made me re-evaluate a lot of things."
Other fans of the sporting star have flooded to social media to offer their condolences.
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The NFL Players Association wrote: "He loved his family, he loved his teammates, he loved the game and he will be greatly missed. Prayers to the family of Dwayne Haskins."
Washington Commanders' co-owners Dan and Tanya Synder wrote: "We are devastated to hear the news of the tragic passing of Dwayne Haskins Jr.
"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 of those who knew and loved him."
Mike Tomlin, head coach of the Steelers, also took to Twitter to react to the news.
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He stated: "I am devastated and at a loss for words with the unfortunate passing of Dwayne Haskins.
"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.”
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677
Topics: NFL, no-article-matching, Sport, US News
Poppy Bilderbeck