Dwayne Hakins, in spite of his brief life, was considered an exceptional young Christian man. A devout Christian and quarterback with the Pittsburgh Steelers, his death sparked an “outpouring of grief” from many people associated with the NFL, especially his former team, the Washington Commanders, and his current club, the Pittsburgh Steelers.
All of them spoke highly about the quarterback who had an amazing year at Ohio State, where he threw 50 touchdown passes before turning professional. Haskins was 24 years old and was walking on a South Florida highway when he was hit by a truck.
Gil Brandt, 90 years old and a Hall of Famer who was a long-time executive with Dallas, said in a regrettable NFL Radio interview that “any death is tragic, before these inexcusable remarks:
“He was a guy that was living to be dead, so to speak. You know, they told him, ‘don’t under any circumstances, leave school early. You just don’t have the work habits, you don’t have this, you don’t have that.’ How did he get there? He left school early … It was always something … Maybe if he stayed in school a year he wouldn’t do silly things [like] jogging on a highway …”
These remarks went viral and provoked angry comments. Cam Heyward, Pittsburgh’s defensive lineman tweeted at Brandt, “I do not know or will assume to but please don’t speak on my friend. You are disgraceful and he will be missed. We are all hurting right now.”
Annie Apple, the mother of Cincinnati cornerback Eli Apple, called Brandt a “gutless garbage pile of skin. And this guy was a player personnel for 30 years in the National Football League.”
His comments were criticized by others “disgusting”, “positively some of the worst commentary I’ve heard.”
While the backlash against Brandt continued, he tweeted:
“This morning while learning of Dwayne Haskins’ passing, I reacted carelessly and insensitively on a radio interview. I want to apologize to Mr. Haskins’ family and anyone who heard my poor choice of words. My sincere apology. My heart goes out to his family at this difficult time.”
Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin said: “I am devastated and at a loss for words with the unfortunate passing of Dwayne Haskins. After his arrival, Dwayne quickly became part our Steelers family and was a tireless worker on and off the field. Dwayne was an excellent teammate and a wonderful friend. It is truly devastating.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Kalabrya, and his entire family during this difficult time.”
Haskins was the 15th overall draft pick for the NFL in 2019. He had previously been a Washington player. Commanders Coach Ron Rivera said he is “absolutely heartbroken” over Haskins’ death.
CBN News reported Haskins’ father, Dwayne Sr, “taught him how to pray, live life selflessly and give back to the community.”
While at Ohio State, Haskins and fellow Heisman Trophy candidate Tua Tagovailoa, of Alabama, regularly texted Bible verses to each other. Decision magazine reported that, as a pro Haskins liked to quote Isaiah 12:2: “Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. My strength and defense is the Lord, the Lord Himself; he has saved me.
Haskins mentioned how his platform could be used to help and inspire others. “That is something I feel like God would want for me to do,” he said.
Haskins is a shining light in an league that has been known for its poor behavior and arrests,
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