According to multiple reports, former NFL cornerback D.J. Hayden was one of six people killed on Saturday morning in Houston after a multiple-car collision. A car sped through a red light and caused a collision with another vehicle, resulting in the deaths of Hayden and his former college teammates at the University of Houston, Zach McMillian and Ralph Oragwu. Hayden was 33 years old.
Per The Houston Chronicle, the driver who ran the red light, causing the collision, was pronounced dead at the scene. Police stated that in total, four people died at the accident site, with two more dying after being transported to the hospital.
Hayden entered the NFL as the No. 12 overall pick in the 2013 draft by the former Oakland Raiders. After spending four seasons in Oakland, Hayden signed a one-year deal with the Detroit Lions in 2017. Following the Lions’ training camp that season, he became their third cornerback behind Darius Slay and Nevin Lawson.
During his lone season with the Lions, Hayden recorded 44 tackles and two fumble recoveries, with one being returned for a touchdown on Nov. 19, 2017, during a Week 11 victory over the Chicago Bears.
In addition to the Raiders and Lions, Hayden had stints with the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Washington Football Team, respectively.
