Ryan Day issues statement on death of Dwayne Haskins

Dwayne Haskins was one of the breakout stars of Ryan Day’s offense at Ohio State, setting record after record in his storied Buckeyes career. After news broke of Haskins’ passing Saturday, Day took to Twitter to issue a statement.

Haskins flourished in 2018, Day’s second season as offensive coordinator. He completed 70% of his passes for 4,831 yards and 50 touchdowns that year, finishing third in the Heisman Trophy voting as Ohio State went 13-1 overall, including 8-1 in Big Ten play, before defeating Northwestern in the league championship game.

Haskins paved the way for future quarterbacks Justin Fields and CJ Stroud after Day moved up to head coach in 2019. But Day spoke more about Haskins as a person rather than as a football player in his tweet.

The loss of Dwayne is beyond tragic and extremely difficult to process. For those who knew him closely, he was much more than a great football player. He had a giant heart, old soul and an infectious smile. The Ohio State community and our entire football program are heartbroken.

— Ryan Day (@ryandaytime) April 9, 2022

“The loss of Dwayne is beyond tragic and extremely difficult to process,” Day said. “For those who knew him closely, he was much more than a great football player. He had a giant heart, old soul and an infectious smile. The Ohio State community and our entire football program are heartbroken.”

Dwayne Haskins, former Ohio State star, NFL quarterback, dead at 24

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback and former Ohio State star Dwayne Haskins was killed Saturday morning after getting hit by a car in South Florida, his agent told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Haskins, 24, was getting ready for his second season with the Steelers after starting his career with the Washington Commanders. He didn’t play for Pittsburgh last season, but the Steelers decided to bring him back to challenge Mitchell Trubisky for the starting job.

In two years with Washington before getting to Pittsburgh, Haskins threw for 2,804 yards and 12 touchdowns. The Commanders drafted him as the No. 15 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft after a standout career at Ohio State. With the Buckeyes, he was First Team All-Big Ten and the Big Ten Championship MVP in 2018 before also winning Rose Bowl MVP.

In 2017, he played in eight games and completed 70.2% of his passes for 565 yards and four touchdowns, while backing up J.T. Barrett. His performance against Michigan that season will always be remembered. Coming off the bench for an injured Barrett, he completed 6-of-7 pass attempts for 94 yards as the Buckeyes captured a 31-20 win.

Haskins revolutionized the Ohio State offense in the 2018 season. The quarterback took Ryan Day’s offense to the next level, showing off his big arm and breaking multiple school records. He helped the Buckeyes to the Rose Bowl, where they defeated Washington 28-23. Haskins went 25-for-37 passing for 251 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Buckeyes charge.