Life is so, so short. We live our day-to-day lives not really thinking about when we will pass away, feeling and living like we have all the time in the world to do everything we want to do. 

The truth is, we don’t. The “World Bank” has 2019 numbers that state the average lifespan of an American: approximately 79 years. 

We sometimes take our lives for granted. Forget to thank the heavens above for living another day. 

The tragic death of NFL quarterback Dwayne Haskins shows we should take our lives and be thankful that we have them. 

Haskins was 24 years old when he passed away Saturday. That age is not even a decade older than you and I, fellow high-schoolers. 

Nobody knows yet why Haskins decided to walk across a busy South Florida highway, but him doing so, no matter the reason, ended the chance for him to live the life he wanted. 

In a matter of moments. 

Let’s take a second to remember this man’s great accomplishments as a football player and, more importantly, his impact on others. 

I will circle back to the main reason I am writing this article after the fact. 

Dwayne Haskins Jr continued the recent string of success for Ohio State University quarterbacks, tossing 50 touchdowns during the 2018-19 season, culminating in a Rose Bowl MVP.  

Haskins was drafted by the Washington Commanders (known as the Redskins at the time), 15th overall in the 2019 NFL draft. 

He got his first career win in Week 12 the next season, against the Detroit Lions. The coolest part of the whole day, to me, was when he went to celebrate and take pictures with fans. 

Share his special moment with them, thank them for supporting him. 

Although it was met with backlash due to the fact he did this before the game ended, as he probably should’ve been out on the field to take the winning knee, I think this was a really cool moment. 

Dwayne Haskins was a brother and husband. He impacted so many people in a positive light, and this is what people in the NFL circle had to say about him and this sad, sad situation: 

Retired Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger posted his remarks, saying: 

“He came to work every day with a smile on his face and energy and love in his heart. His smile and zeal for life will be missed! I will cherish the time and laughs that we had…. Love ya pal.” 

His alma mater, The Ohio State University, specifically their athletic department, said this:

“We are thinking of the entire Haskins family during this most difficult time. Our prayers are with the family, and with his current and former teammates, coaches, friends, and relatives.” 

Many more people took to social media to share stories, pay tributes, and simply just say “RIP.”

Additionally, they mentioned how Haskins changed their lives for the better, no matter how large or small. 

What I really want to emphasize, to all of you, is that our lives are special. 

Let’s make sure we tell our family members we love them, thank our friends for being our second wave of love and guidance, and truly take in every moment of our lives we are so fortunate to have. 

As country singer Cody Johnson said in his hit song “ ‘Til You Can’t”: 

“If you got a chance, take it, take it while you got a chance. If you got a dream, chase it, cause a dream won’t chase you back. If you’re gonna love somebody, hold them as long and as strong and as close as you can.” 

Fly high to the heavens, Dwayne.