Football: Haskins’ life honored with candlelight vigil at Ohio Stadium

Hundreds of Buckeyes fans, students and players, current and past, attended a candlelight vigil to honor the life of former quarterback Dwayne Haskins at the rotunda of Ohio Stadium Tuesday.

Haskins, who spent three seasons at Ohio State and recorded a record-setting year in his one season as a starter in 2018, was killed after being hit by a dump truck in South Florida Saturday.

Among the hundreds in attendance, past and present members of the Buckeyes’ football team also placed candles at the vigil, including former quarterback Cardale Jones. 

“I feel like we’re all here today to grieve together, to pay our respects and somewhat celebrate Dwayne’s life,” Jones said. “Everybody here who he touched either on the field and off the field. A selfless kid. Someone who’d give you his clothes off his back.”

Former Ohio State running back Master Teague III led the crowd in a prayer at the beginning of the candlelight vigil for Dwayne Haskins Tuesday. Credit: Mackenzie Shanklin | Photo Editor

A student lights a candle before the candlelight vigil for Dwayne Haskins Tuesday. Credit: Mackenzie Shanklin | Photo Editor

Students brought and lit candles in honor of Dwayne Haskins before the candlelight vigil Tuesday. Credit: Mackenzie Shanklin | Photo Editor

Ohio State senior defensive end Javontae Jean-Baptiste (8) lays down a candle during the candlelight vigil for Dwayne Haskins Tuesday. Credit: Mackenzie Shanklin | Photo Editor

Hundreds of fans and students gathered at the Ohio Stadium Tuesday for a candlelight vigil in honor of Dwayne Haskins. Credit: Mackenzie Shanklin | Photo Editor

Ohio State junior and band member Adam Whitman plays Carmen Ohio on the violin during the candlelight vigil for Dwayne Haskins Tuesday. Credit: Mackenzie Shanklin | Photo Editor

Ohio State students light candles after the candlelight vigil for Dwayne Haskins Tuesday in front of the memorial at the Ohio Stadium. Credit: Mackenzie Shanklin | Photo Editor

A rose lays next to a candle in front of the Ohio Stadium during the candlelight vigil for Dwayne Haskins Tuesday. Credit: Mackenzie Shanklin | Photo Editor

Former running back Master Teague III led a prayer at the start of the vigil, giving thanks for Haskins’ impact at Ohio State and asking for solace for his family.

“Lord, they’re without a son, a brother and a husband. We can’t imagine the pain that they feel right now,” Teague said. “Lord, we know in your word, we say, ‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted,’ so we ask that your comfort will cover them in this time.”

Former Ohio State wide receiver Chris Fields, who played for the Buckeyes from 2009-13, said Haskins was “a little brother” to him and added that he was a “very selfless person.” 

“He put everybody in front of him. He genuinely cared about everyone he crossed paths with,” Fields said. “I will have Dwayne in my heart throughout my journey. I love you bro.” 

Haskins earned a selection as a Heisman Trophy finalist after breaking program records under center in 2018, setting 28 program records and seven Big Ten records.

The Washington Redskins selected Haskins with the No. 15 overall pick during the 2019 NFL draft. He spent three seasons with the organization before signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers prior to last season.

Jones offered a memory about Haskins’ dedication to faith before members of the crowd placed candles and some members of the Ohio State Marching Band played “Carmen Ohio” near the end of the vigil.

“It just sucks that his life was cut so short. But I guess he was just too good for all of us that the Lord had to call upon him early,” Jones said. “But to his family, his friends, his teammates, everyone knows that Dwayne was a faithful and faith-driven person.”