D.J. Hayden, a former Raiders first-round pick and Houston Cougars star, was tragically killed in a car accident early Saturday morning.
According to Joseph Duarte of the Houston Chronicle, former Las Vegas Raiders player D.J. Hayden died in a car accident early Saturday morning near downtown Houston at the age of 33. Five other people were killed in the collision, which occurred around 2 a.m. local time after a vehicle allegedly sped through a red light.
Zach McMillian, a former Houston football player, was among those killed. He and Hayden were Cougars teammates for two seasons, helping the team to a 13-win season in 2011-12.
Hayden miraculously survived a near-death experience during his senior year after colliding with a teammate at practice and being hit in the main vein of his heart. The First-Team All-Conference USA cornerback missed the rest of the season but returned in time for the 2013 NFL Draft. Hayden was selected by the Raiders with the No. 12 overall pick.
He played four years in Oakland before moving on to the Detroit Lions, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Washington Commanders. In 92 games, Hayden had 328 combined tackles, four interceptions, 46 passes defensed, four forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries. He last appeared in the season 2021-22.
D.J. Hayden’s NFL career was hampered by injuries, but his mere presence in the league demonstrated his remarkable perseverance and work ethic. He had a slim chance of surviving his heart injury. He defied logic and became an inspiration to many.
Hayden’s tragic death will be felt by his family, friends, and everyone he touched with his story.
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