What Happened to Dwayne Haskins Jr: Verified Facts and Timeline
Dwayne Haskins Jr., the quarterback drafted by the Washington Redskins in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft, died in a roadway incident on April 9, 2022. This verified explainer clarifies the sequence of key moments in his career and life, including his college background at Ohio State, his time with Washington and later the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the circumstances of his death. The focus here is on verified, factual reporting rather than speculation.
Early Life and College Career
Ohio State Buckeyes and 2018 Performance
Before entering the NFL, Haskins played college football at Ohio State. In 2018, he served as the Buckeyes’ starting quarterback, completing 252 of 362 passes for 2,800 yards and 26 touchdowns. His final season with Ohio State helped establish him as a top quarterback prospect leading into the 2019 draft.
Professional Football Career
Washington Redskins / Football Team (2019–2020)
Selected 15th overall in 2019, Haskins spent parts of three seasons with Washington. He threw for 582 yards and two touchdowns across his first two seasons but faced inconsistent playing time and off-field scrutiny. The franchise transitioned from Washington Redskins to Washington Football Team during his tenure.
Pittsburgh Steelers (2021)
In 2021, Haskins signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He appeared in 13 games primarily on special teams and as a backup, completing 27 of 46 passes for 307 yards with one touchdown. His time in Pittsburgh was limited, and he was waived in early 2022.
| Season | Team | Games | Completions | Attempts | Yards | Touchdowns | Interceptions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Washington | 14 | 160 | 259 | 1,559 | 3 | 7 |
| 2020 | Washington | 6 | 27 | 56 | 345 | 0 | 2 |
| 2021 | Pittsburgh | 13 | 27 | 46 | 307 | 1 | 0 |
Legal and Personal Issues
Motor-Vehicle Arrests and Charges
Between late 2020 and early 2021, Haskins was involved in multiple motor-vehicle incidents while driving under the influence. In September 2021, he was charged with driving under the influence in Loudoun County, Virginia, and faced additional charges related to driving on a suspended license. These events contributed to heightened public and media attention on his off-field conduct.
Death and Circumstances
April 9, 2022 Roadway Incident
On April 9, 2022, Haskins was struck by a highway tractor-trailer while walking on Interstate 610 in Houston, Texas. He was transported to a hospital and later pronounced dead. The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences ruled his death an accident. Friends, family, and the NFL issued statements expressing condolences and acknowledging the sudden impact of his passing.
Legacy and Public Perception
Haskins generated significant draft hype as a prospect but navigated a challenging professional path marked by limited on-field opportunities and repeated legal troubles. Coverage of his career often emphasized the contrast between his collegiate success and the difficulties he encountered at the professional level. His death prompted renewed reflection on the pressures and vulnerabilities faced by athletes transitioning out of college and into the league.
Quick Reference: Key Dates and Facts
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| September 27, 1999 | Born in Potomac, Maryland | Context for age and background |
| 2018 | Ohio State starter (2,800 yards, 26 TDs) | Key collegiate success preceding NFL |
| April 2019 | Drafted 15th overall by Washington | Launch of professional career |
| 2021 | Waived by Pittsburgh Steelers | End of NFL playing tenure |
| April 9, 2022 | Died after being struck by a truck on I-610, Houston, TX | Confirmed cause and circumstances of death |
Common Questions and Clarifications
- What happened to Dwayne Haskins Jr. cause of death? He died after being struck by a highway tractor-trailer while walking on Interstate 610 in Houston; the incident was ruled an accident.
- Was Dwayne Haskins Jr. drunk when he died? Toxicology reports are part of the official investigation; authoritative public reports classify the death as an accident without specifying impairment at the moment of impact in initial summaries.
- Did Dwayne Haskins Jr. play in the NFL? Yes, he played in the NFL from 2019 to 2021, primarily with the Washington franchise and briefly with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
- Where is Dwayne Haskins Jr. buried? Information regarding funeral arrangements and burial has been shared by family through official statements and memorial services.