Malcolm Jenkins, a former safety for Ohio State and the NFL, tweeted on Saturday, “We’ve lost a king before we got to watch his (reign)”. Both New Jersey natives, Jenkins and Haskins Jr. never played together in college and were never teammates professionally (Haskins played briefly in the NFL, spending time in Pittsburgh and Washington). However, Haskins’ death at the age of 24 struck a chord with many in the football fraternity, especially those with ties to Ohio State.
“To myself and everyone he encountered, he was a KING and an incredibly wonderful friend. Everyone you’ve touched throughout life will miss you, Paris Johnson, an offensive lineman for Ohio State, tweeted.
Haskins also adopted a lion as symbol of his dreams, and he chose as a moniker “Simba,” that of the main character in Disney’s “The Lion King.”
“Oh no, Simba. Former defensive lineman Haskell Garrett of the Buckeyes wrote on social media, “This one ain’t real.”
“Fly High Simba” was a reference to Darron Lee, another former Ohio State defensive player. “See you when I get there.”
Not just former Buckeyes had something to say. C.J. Stroud, the quarterback for OSU right now, expressed his feelings in a post, saying he was “hurt” and “lost for words.”
In a statement, Gene Smith, the athletic director of Ohio State, said, “Shocked and saddened by the devastating news about Dwayne.” In addition to being an incredible human being, he was a legend on the field. To the Haskins family, my prayers.”
“Totally devastated,” wrote Corey Dennis, the Ohio State quarterbacks coach. “He was a wonderful brother and friend. He was also an amazing person. Definitely where he is at the moment. Rest in peace, Dwayne. I love you.”