Nothing in life ever is guaranteed.

Just ask the family of NFL quarterback Dwayne Haskins. Undoubtedly, the young man was in the prime of his life when he was killed early April 9, the result of a tragic accident. He was just 24.

It was only about two weeks earlier that the Pittsburgh Steelers announced they were bringing back the former Ohio State standout for a second season. The team had signed him last year to the development squad.

Then, in recent weeks, the Steelers announced Haskins would compete with former Chicago and Buffalo quarterback Mitch Trubisky and longtime Steeler backup QB Mason Rudolph for the right to take over the starting quarterback job created when Ben Roethlisberger stepped away following his 18-year career.

The quarterback must have been ecstatic — especially after he faltered at his previous NFL assignment with the Washington Football Team, which had taken Haskins in the first round of the 2019 draft.

Sadly, the dream wasn’t meant to be.

Working out and celebrating the opportunity with his teammates during an off-season training session in Florida ended tragically for Haskins in the early morning hours when he stepped into the path of an oncoming dump truck along a Fort Lauderdale highway. Investigators aren’t speculating publicly on what Haskins might have been doing on the interstate. The investigation is expected to take about 90 days.

Haskins leaves behind his wife, Kalabrya.

A remembrance was held last week on The Ohio State University campus.

Memorial services now are scheduled for April 23 at Christ Church in Rockaway Township, N.J. The next day, services will occur at Bullis School in Potomac, Maryland.

The Steelers and his wife are planning to host another memorial for the quarterback later this month, and Ohio State was to honor Haskins with a moment of silence and a video tribute Saturday during its spring game, an annual intrasquad scrimmage at Ohio Stadium on campus.

And, of course, social media has been exploding with heartfelt tributes and prayers.

Myles Garrett, standout defensive end from AFC North rival Cleveland Browns, posted this: “He always had a smile on his face and that’s how I’ll remember him.”

Roethlisberger and his wife Ashley shared this thought: “He came to work every day with a smile on his face and energy and love in his heart … I still wish I could throw the ball like you!”

Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool, who worked out with Haskins in his final hours, said, “I can’t help but think about how selfless you were. … You are what I strive to be.”

But the seriousness of this loss was even better reflected in the words of some local people who reminded all of us that tomorrow is not guaranteed.

A local high school coach posted this: “Hearing about the passing of Dwayne Haskins got me in my feelings today. To all my former teammates, I love you! You never know when it’s your time to go.”

Another newspaper editor I know posted, “This is a reminder that any of us can be here one moment and gone the next. Make the most of the time we’re given, because tomorrow is never guaranteed. Don’t wait to do something or say something. Those opportunities may never come again.”

The remembrances helped me call to mind the lyrics from country singer Thomas Rhett’s song “Life changes.” They go like this: “You never know what’s gonna happen. You make your plans and you hear God laughing.”

Now, don’t misunderstand. That wasn’t intended to be harsh.

Frankly, though, we can control only what we can control. The rest, as they say, is in God’s hands.

That should serve as a sound reminder to all of us on this Easter Sunday.

Do something that is meaningful today.

Rejoice in all that is good.

Say a prayer of thanksgiving. Give a heartfelt hug. Tell your family that you love them. Tell your co-workers you appreciate them. Thank a veteran.

But most of all, make the most of today, treasure it and thank God for it.

Have a peaceful, happy Easter.

blinert@tribtoday.com