Haskins Family Foundation announces plans for scholarship fund

The Haskins Family Foundation has come up with a new way to ensure the legacy of the fallen Ohio State quarterback never fades away. Tuesday, on what would have been Haskins’ 25th birthday, the foundation announced plans for a scholarship in his name.

“This is a tribute to Dwayne Haskins Jr., born on May 3, 1997, turning 25 today,” an Instagram post read. “Please join use for a moment of silence at 8 p.m. tonight for one minute and reflect on the memories that he has brought to your life with his affectionate smile.

“The Haskins Family Foundation will be establishing a scholarship fund in his name. Feel free to donate at HaskinsFamilyFoundation.com.”

Dwayne Haskins was killed last month in South Florida while trying to cross I-595. The Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback was traveling in a car with a drunk woman before getting out and walking onto the expressway. The woman was passed out in the disabled car at the scene.

The quarterback helped revolutionize the Ohio State offense in 2018, throwing for 4,831 yards and 50 touchdowns while breaking numerous Big Ten and school records. The record-setting year put his name on the map; he was picked No. 15 overall in the 2019 NFL Draft by the Washington Commanders. After two seasons with Washington, he signed with Pittsburgh and was the team’s backup for Ben Roethlisberger, along with Mason Rudolph, this past season.

Tamara and Dwayne Haskins Sr. established Haskins Family Foundation in April 2021 to expand the family’s commitment to giving back. The Haskins family has been serving the community for more than 30 years from New Jersey to Virginia as emergency responders, volunteering with community-based organizations, churches, non-profits, and participating in service trips.

The news of Haskins death sent a shockwave through both the Ohio State and NFL communities. The family received an outpouring of support, with the Buckeyes holding a moment of silence prior to their spring game, in which current starting quarterback CJ Stroud wore a jersey bearing Haskins’ name on the back. At the 2022 NFL Draft this past weekend, Haskins was honored with another moment of silence.

Despite the tragic end to his life, Haskins made more impact in his 24 years than most people can achieve in a much longer lifetime. Now, with the addition of this scholarship in his name, he can continue to have a position effect for generations to come.

Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to reflect The Haskins Family Foundation is the name of the organization starting the scholarship fund.