Remembering Young Simba: RIP Dwayne Haskins

Rest in pease Dwayne Haskins. 24 years is far too young.

Dwayne Haskins will be remembered fondly for me as the first top prospect of this 24/7 social media culture era. Yes there was Johnny Manziel before him, and to a lesser degree RG3 but Haskins was truly and clearly a student of “the culture.” He brought a swag to the NFL no quarterback openly portrayed and was himself for better or worse.

When I saw Haskins do his pre-draft workouts in an OVO hoodie I said to myself “oh yeah this kid’s different.” He was one of ours. Someone From the culture who was confident in his abilities beyond this earth. The kid rocked earrings, gave himself his own nickname, took selfies with fans, got on social media during games (I can snitch now), and stayed clean down to the socks.

Did I mention he had the confidence to declare he was wearing the #7 jersey in Washington before Joe Theismann officially gave his approval?

Dwayne was really young Black Excellence and I hope more players stay true to themselves and the culture as he did.

RIP