WATCH: Terry McLaurin shares emotional tribute at Dwayne Haskins' celebration of life
Terry McLaurin and Dwayne Haskins were teammates at Ohio State and later in Washington in the NFL. The two grew to become very close friends. After Haskins tragically passed away, McLaurin has shared emotional tributes to his friend and former teammate.
At Haskins’ celebration of life on Saturday, McLaurin took the stage and shared a very emotional and heartfelt message in remembrance of his friend.
“You taught me what it was like to be a real friend,” McLaurin said of Haskins. “A real friend, and that means being honest with somebody, that means supporting them when they’re down, and that means loving them in their valleys and their mountain tops. And always believing that God can see you through it. So for that I will always be thankful for Dwayne, because he made me a better man and a better friend. So I love you guys, Haskins family.”
Haskins was Ohio State’s starting quarterback in 2018, which was McLaurin’s senior season. That proved to be the best year of McLaurin’s career, bringing in 35 receptions for 701 yards and 11 touchdowns. The two were then drafted by Washington in the same draft, with Haskins going 15th overall in the first round and McLaurin going 76th overall in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft. The two then spent two seasons together in Washington, furthering their bond and friendship.
McLaurin’s message following Haskins’ death
Following the initial news of Haskins passing away, McLaurin shared an emotional message on Twitter. He was obviously hit hard by the news, and McLaurin had nothing but great things to say about Haskins as a person and friend.
“Devastated is the only word I can come up with right now,” McLaurin wrote. “Dwayne always had a smile on his face and had a personality that was 1-of-1. We talked the night we were both drafted about how hopeful we were for our futures and how excited we were to be able to play and compete together again. I thank God for the memories we shared and the conversations we had. I’ll miss those so much. He was a man trying to become the best version of himself, just like we all are.
“He was excited to continue to compete for his dream and I know as well as those closest to him that his best years on and off the field were ahead of him. He was more than a phenomenal football player, who could spin it like I have never seen to this day. He was a guy who wanted to see the ones around him win and have success.”