PITTSBURGH — After a contentious departure from Washington after just two seasons, Dwayne Haskins got a second opportunity with Pittsburgh. The Steelers signed Haskins knowing there were some concerns from his previous stop. Haskins is looking to dispel those concerns and embrace the Steelers organization and their philosophy.
For Haskins, coming to Pittsburgh was a proving ground. And most importantly, Haskins wants to show that he loves football first, and he is willing to put in the hard work needed.
“Coming here to Pittsburgh, I just came in wanting to prove to my teammates and the coaching staff how much I love football,” Haskins said. “I’m grateful for this opportunity and I want to show that my mind is in the right place and I’m ready to work to show my talents.”
Haskins is keeping his expectations low and his hopes high. While he wants to the heir to the throne of Ben Roethlisberger, Haskins knows he first must earn it and claim his roster spot before he gets too ahead of himself.
“My expectations here are to make everyone who decided to take a chance on me look good,” Haskins said. “I want to work as hard as I can and let my work speak for itself. Of course, I want to be able to take over after Ben, but that comes with due time and being able to do everything I need to do.”
Haskins wants to put his Washington woes in the past, and move forward with the Steelers. Instead, he wants to show who he is truly as a person just as much as he wants to show who he is as a football player.
“You know, it’s in the past, it’s like having a relationship with your ex,” Haskins said. “It’s like you want to move on, go with a new person, and let that past go. I don’t think the person Dwayne was highlighted enough.”
While Haskins clearly wants to prove who he can be off the field, he wanted to be in a place where he felt wanted and embraced. Haskins thinks Pittsburgh can be that place.
“I wanted to be in a place where I feel like I’m wanted,” Haskins said. “I feel like I’m wanted here, and I’m grateful for the opportunity.”
Haskins signed for the league minimum this past offseason. Nothing is guaranteed for the former first-round pick out of Ohio State, but with his headstrong nature, he is trying to show that he can be a capable depth option for the Steelers in order to make the final 53-man roster.