For five straight seasons Terry McLaurin and Dwayne Haskins were teammates between college and the pros. The two were together at Ohio State from 2016-2018. Then the two were drafted together by the Washington Commanders franchise in 2019.
The pair played together in Washington another two seasons before Haskins was released in December 2020. Even then they kept a bond that ultimately lasted a lifetime.
On Saturday, McLaurin posted a heartfelt tribute following the tragic death of his beloved friend. Anyone reading the wide receiver’s statement felt McLaurin’s love for Haskins and pain in the aftermath of his friend’s death.
“Devastated is the only word I can come up with right now,” McLaurin stated. “Dwayne always had a smile on his face and had a personality that was 1-of-1. We talked the night we both were drafted about how hopeful we were for our futures and how excited we were able to play and compete together again. I thank God for the memories we shared and the conversations we had.”
“I’m heartbroken and pray he knew how much he was loved… how much I loved him. I woulda 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.”
There have been plenty of former teammates and coaches to speak on Haskins as a player and person. But, McLaurin had a bond that only few others had with him.
Dwayne Haskins signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2021 and re-signed a one-deal in March for the 2022 season. He was looking to rewrite the narrative on his pro career. McLaurin said he would have “given anything” to see Haskins win.
McLaurin was not alone. There was a legion of fans, friends, teammates and media that were pulling for Haskins as well. While it’s unfortunate his redemption story on the field never came, Haskins was a winner in life based on the numerous tributes from people he came across.
Haskins was just 24 years of age when he was struck and killed by a dump truck on I-595 Saturday morning. That’s way too young to die.
