Growing up, Dwayne Haskins acquired the nickname “Simba,” thanks to his love of the movie The Lion King, and an afro that his family likened to a lion’s mane. That is a nickname Haskins takes pride in and enjoys, but it appears he has picked up another moniker while in Pittsburgh.
Haskins recently revealed that Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin refers to him as “Check Down,” in reference to the type of short-field pass a quarterback can deliver when he deems no other options or the main targets on a play open to throw to. Speaking to the media after returning to the field for training camp Saturday, Tomlin was asked about his quarterback, and the nickname specifically.