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Ryan Day on Mike Tomlin's relationship with Dwayne Haskins: 'He really wanted to help Dwayne'


(Photo by Sargent/Getty Images)


After things didn't work out in Washington, Dwayne Haskins was on the right path with the Steelers under Mike Tomlin. He was going to be in the competition for the starting quarterback position this year. He was in Florida to train with Mitch Trubisky and several Steelers running backs, tight ends and wide receivers. At 24, he was just getting started.


And then on the morning of April 9, Haskins tragically lost his life after he was struck by a dump truck while he was walking on Interstate 595 in South Florida. According to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Haskins was headed to the Fort Lauderdale airport to return to Pittsburgh when the accident occurred. Florida Highway Patrol spokesperson Lt. Indiana Miranda said Haskins was pronounced dead at the scene. At this time, it's unclear why he was walking on the highway.


Mike Tomlin released a statement on Saturday morning about the tragic passing of Haskins.


"I am devastated and at a loss for words with the unfortunate passing of Dwayne Haskins," Tomlin said. "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."


On Friday, Haskins posted a photo of where he was training at with his Steelers teammates. It just shows how fragile life is and to never take anything for granted.

Last June, Haskins said his mission was to showcase to everyone who the "real Dwayne" was and he felt like Pittsburgh was the right place to turn his career around. Tomlin and a stable organization like the Steelers was a perfect fit for Haskins.

Ohio State head coach Ryan Day had a press conference on Monday morning and was asked about Haskins' relationship with Tomlin.


“He really wanted to help Dwayne," Day said. "He felt like he saw those things and special traits in Dwayne and really poured into him. I think it says a lot about that organization, what they tried to do for him."


Haskins was reportedly at the team facility almost everyday this offseason and was the first to greet Mitch Trubisky when he signed. Haskins was on the right path. He was beloved by his teammates and coaches. Regardless of what he did on the football football, he was destined for great things. It's absolutely tragic that his life was cut short way too soon.






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