LOOK: Terry McLaurin sends touching tribute to former teammate Dwayne Haskins
Terry McLaurin knows Dwayne Haskins better than most. The pair spent two seasons together at Ohio State in 2017 and 2018 before both being drafted to the Washington Football Team in 2019.
There they spent two seasons together as Haskins started 13 games during that span. McLaurin quickly became recognized as one of the premier talents at receiver while Haskins struggled to break through in his first couple of NFL seasons. Ultimately, that resulted in Washington cutting Haskins near the end of the 2020 season, while McLaurin remained on the team.
McLaurin still remained close as Haskins signed with Pittsburgh, where he served in a backup role during the 2021 season. Then, the unthinkable happened. Haskins was hit by a car and killed Saturday morning in South Florida, sending a shockwave through the league and to McLaurin especially.
The receiver took to Twitter on Saturday evening to express his sorrow and also share the good memories he has with his former college and pro teammate.
“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. He was a man of God of his faith quite often. A beloved son, brother, husband, friend and teammate.
“I’m heartbroken and pray he knew how much he was loved. How much I loved him. I would’ve given anything to see him win. His legacy on this earth will forever be felt because of the way he lived life and the way he impacted everyone he came in contact with. Until we meet again, brother. Save a spot for me in that big end zone in the sky where we will celebrate again one day.”
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. In the 2018 season, he completed 70% of his passes for 4,831 yards and 50 touchdowns. He finished 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.
The Buckeyes then took on Washington in the Rose Bowl, defeating the Huskies 28-23. Haskins went 25-for-37 passing for 251 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Buckeyes charge.