NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport revealed that D.J. Hayden, a former first-round pick who spent nine seasons in the NFL, died early on Saturday morning in an automobile accident in Houston. At 33 years old, he was.
The revelation was initially reported by The Houston Chronicle.
According to the Houston Police Department, at around two in the morning CST, an automobile ran a red light at the intersection of Fannin Street and Pierce Street in downtown Houston, killing six persons, including Hayden. At the site, four persons were officially declared dead. Since then, two of the other four people who were taken to the hospital have been declared dead.
The University of Houston, where Hayden played college football, announced that former players Zachary McMillian and Ralph Oragwu were among those who died, and Jeffrey Lewis was among those injured in the crash.
“The entire University of Houston community is heartbroken over the tragic passing of former Football student-athletes D.J. Hayden, Zachary McMillian and Ralph Oragwu earlier today, and our thoughts and prayers remain with Jeffery Lewis in his recovery ahead,” the University of Houston said in a statement. “We extend our deepest condolences to their families, friends, and loved ones, as we collectively mourn the loss of three individuals who made an indelible impact on each life they touched. While their combined talents provided Houston Football some of its most unforgettable moments, their unique legacies will best be remembered for the way they loved their teammates, supported their communities and defied the odds.”
Hayden, a Houston native, made national news in 2012 after surviving a near-fatal injury to his heart during practice. The Raiders would go on to select Hayden with the No. 12 overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft.
“The Raiders Family is mourning the tragic loss of former cornerback D.J. Hayden,” the team said in a statement. “The Raiders’ first-round draft pick out of the University of Houston in 2013, D.J. overcame a heart injury sustained in a college practice to play nine years in the NFL, including his first four with the Silver and Black. D.J.’s courage, perseverance, and dedication to his teammates will be fondly remembered by everyone who knew him. The prayers of the entire Raider Nation are with D.J.’s loved ones at this time.”
Before making stops in Detroit, Jacksonville, and Washington, Hayden lived in Oakland for four years. Over the course of his nine-year NFL career, the cornerback recorded four interceptions, 46 passes defensed, 4.5 sacks, and 328 total tackles.
