For any rookie quarterback in the NFL, it’s sometimes tough to transition from college to the pro’s and adjust to the jump in talent levels on the field. That transition is made even harder when you’re thrown into the spotlight and having your leadership abilities questioned right off the bat.
That’s what happened to Washington Redskins QB Dwayne Haskins in 2019, and not without reason. Coming into the year, many questioned whether Haskins was mature enough to lead an NFL franchise, after playing just one season in college at Ohio State, and a couple of blunders along the way — be it ‘selfie-gate’ or an ignored plea to the offensive line — definitely didn’t help fight the narrative.
However, the end of the season saw Haskins grow into his own a bit, and a hopeful future now sits out ahead of him. Many have seen his play improve over the final weeks of the 2019 season, and his desire to be a leader for the team has made itself apparent. Former Redskins quarterback Joe Theismann, who gave Haskins his blessing to wear his retired No. 7, is singing high praises, hoping that he can be the right QB and leader for the Washington franchise.
“Dwayne has the physical talent,” Theismann said, via the Redskins Talk podcast. “He understands foundationally what he needs to do. Now, it’s going to be a chance to be able and go out and just build on it.”
An old adage says that bosses push people to greatness, and leaders pull them. For Haskins, Theismann says that it’s going to be imperative that he does the work and leads by example this coming season, being the first one in the building and the last to leave.
“He knows the work he has to do. He’s a very confident young man,” Theismann said. “He’s smart, he’s confident, but there’s also that work ethic that you need to put in. There’s a perception that goes along with reality. You show up early, maybe you have breakfast for an hour. But you’re showing up early, letting the guys know you care. That’s how you show guys you care. You show up early and you stay late. That’s what the position is all about.”
We know that Haskins has the tools to be a great QB on the field, but the question has always been about his mentality and maturity. While a couple of rookie missteps early on didn’t help the matter, a late-season surge in leadership and performance has the future bright for Haskins once again.
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