Football fans are paying tribute to late Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Dwayne Haskins by donating to an animal rescue.
Northern Virginia-based nonprofit Wolf Trap Animal Rescue, which Haskins once supported through the NFL's My Cause, My Cleats initiative, received nearly $6,500 from 299 donors by late Tuesday afternoon, according to Jori Epstein of USA Today. The donors reportedly include fans of Ohio State, where Haskins played in college, and the Steelers, as well as fans of the rival Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills.
Haskins died Saturday at the age of 24 after being hit by a dump truck on a highway in Florida, where he had been working out with Steelers teammates.
Haskins selected Wolf Trap Animal Rescue as his My Cause, My Cleats charity in 2019 while playing for the Washington Commanders.
#Redskins My Cause My Cleats are on display ahead of Sunday’s game. @dh_simba7 is repping Wolf Trap Animal Rescue. pic.twitter.com/PTdOC7HgNp
— Craig Hoffman (@CraigHoffman) December 4, 2019
"Rescue organizations can only operate based on donations that come in, and we can only save as many animals as we have supporters for," Wolf Trap Animal Rescue founder and veterinarian Amber Burton said. "It means a lot and speaks volumes of the person who they are and how giving and caring they are and supportive of their local community. When someone like Dwayne or (Commanders safety) Troy (Apke) or any of these NFL players get involved, it shows the depth of their character.
"That's something we won't ever forget."
