So, just a heads up, this might meander a bit, but bear with me. Ryan Day, the Ohio State head coach, recently took a moment to remember Dwayne Haskins. It hit me — not quite literally, thank goodness, but still — that it’s already been three years since Haskins’ untimely passing. April 9, 2022, was when we got the heartbreaking news. Haskins, just 24 at the time, had his life cut short in a tragic accident on a Florida highway. Dump truck, if you can believe it.
Day, reminiscing, posted a picture that just grabs you — it was at the Rose Bowl. A little emotional whammy if you knew Haskins, but even if you didn’t, the sentiment’s pretty clear. And, oh, speaking of the Rose Bowl, let’s take a hop back to 2018. That year, Haskins completed, what, 70% of his throws? And racked up 4,831 yards with, wait for it, 50 touchdowns. Eyes on the prize, he finished third in the Heisman voting, right behind Kyler Murray and Tua Tagovailoa. Yep, impressive stuff.
Then there’s Day, getting thrust into the spotlight as interim head coach because Urban Meyer was taking a breather (or whatever that was). Day did his thing and led the team to three wins. Haskins crowned his college journey with three TDs in a tight 28-23 win against Washington at the Rose Bowl. What a New Year’s gift!
Stepping into the NFL, Haskins was the No. 15 pick. Came onto the Washington Commanders scene and played 13 games over two seasons. He’d just signed on with the Steelers before fate did its cruel dance. Day reflected on this loss, hinting at a deeper connection. “Man, losing Dwayne hits hard,” he mentioned back then, not just for his football talent but for the big-hearted, wise-beyond-his-years persona. You know, the smile kind that sticks with you.
Sometime after the tragedy, Day talked about how Haskins literally walked into the facility at 11 and declared, with that teenager confidence, his dreams to be Buckeye. Couldn’t help but grin at that one. Haskins embodied “dream it, do it,” didn’t he? Day hoped Haskins would inspire the young folks out there to chase dreams — Buckeye or beyond.
Anyway — sort of looping back here — it’s evident that while the chapters after are bittersweet, Haskins’ story is one of ambition and spirit. Just a reminder, maybe, to all of us to cherish the journey and the memories, however fleeting.
