Ohio State holds candlelight vigil for late QB Dwayne Haskins originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington
The Ohio State University held a candlelight vigil outside Ohio Stadium on Tuesday night in remembrance of the late Dwayne Haskins, who tragically died this past Saturday after being struck by a dump truck on a South Florida highway.
Several of Haskins' former Buckeye teammates and current Ohio State players were in attendance, including running back Master Teague, quarterback Cardale Jones, cornerback Sevyn Banks and others.
We've got the news you need to know to start your day. Sign up for the First & 4Most morning newsletter — delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up here.
Teague was the first to speak, opening the vigil with a prayer for Haskins' family.
Jones -- who was never teammates with Haskins at Ohio State but first met him long before he became a Buckeye -- addressed the crowd minutes after Teague and praised Haskins' character, specifically just how selfless he was.
"I feel like we're all here today to grieve together, to pay our respects and somewhat celebrate Dwayne's life," Jones said.
Former Buckeyes wide receiver Chris Fields also spoke, holding back tears as he delivered a passionate message to his late friend, someone who he considered to be a younger brother.
"I will have Dwayne in my heart throughout my journey," Fields said. "I love you bro."
Two days prior to the candlelight vigil, Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day spoke to local media about Haskins and the legacy he leaves in Columbus.
"He was 11 years old walking through this facility and said 'this is what I'm gonna do' and then did it," Day said. "I think that's the legacy he's going to leave behind to so many of these other younger people across the country. ... That you can set a dream, a goal and go achieve it. He did it and then, really, broke a lot of records that year in 2018."
After a standout season in 2018 for Ohio State where he finished as a Heisman Trophy finalist, Haskins entered the NFL Draft and was selected by Washington 15th overall in the first round. He played two seasons with Washington before signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 2021 offseason.
Funeral services for Haskins will continue this weekend. The first memorial will take place at Christ Church in Rockaway Township, New Jersey, on Saturday from 12 to 3 p.m. Then on Sunday, services will take place at Bullis School in Potomac, Md., where Haskins attended high school.
