According to multiple reports, former NFL cornerback D.J. Hayden was one of six people killed in a car crash in Houston Saturday morning. The car ran a red light and collided with another vehicle, killing Hayden and his former University of Houston teammates Zach McMillian and Ralph Oragwu. Hayden was 33 years old.According to the Houston Chronicle, the driver who ran the red light that caused the crash was pronounced dead at the scene. The police reported that a total of four people died at the scene of the accident and two more died after being transported to the hospital..
Hayden entered the NFL with the 12th overall pick by the former Oakland Raiders in the 2013 draft. After four seasons in Oakland, Hayden signed a one-year deal with the Detroit Lions in 2017. After the Lions’ training camp, he became the No. 3 cornerback behind Darius Slay and Nevin Lawson.In his lone season with the Lions, Hayden had 44 tackles and two fumbles, one returned on November 19, 2017 in a Week 11 win over the Chicago Bears.In addition to the Raiders and Lions, Hayden worked for the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Washington DC football team..
Haydenand’s former teammates at the University of Houston, Zach McMillian and Ralph Oragwu, were also killed in the crash, the school confirmed. The driver who ran the red light was also pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Houston Chronicle.According to police, four people were pronounced dead at the scene and two people died after being taken to a local hospital. The woman was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries andquot; police told the Chronicle, while another person was awake and talking to investigators.The University of Houston also announced that former player Jeffery Lewis was injured but recovering..
A two-time All-Conference USA honoree with Houston, Hayden made national headlines after a collision at practice in 2012 that left him with a tear in his heart. He was released from the hospital a week later and was selected by the then Oakland Raiders with the 12th overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft.andquot;D.J. and#039;courage, determination and dedication to teammates will be fondly remembered by all who knew him,andquot; The Raiders, now based in Las Vegas, said in a statement on Saturday. andquot;The prayers of everyone from Raider Nation are with D.J and his loved ones right now.andquot;Hayden recorded 328 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 4 interceptions and 4 forced fumbles in 92 games (41 tackles) with the Raiders (2013-16), Detroit Lions (2017), Jacksonville Jaguars (2018-20) and 0 games. Commanders (2018-2019). ).McMillian was a second-team All-Athletic Conference cornerback for the Cougars from 2010-13. Oragwu played on the offensive line from 2009-2013.andquot;The entire University of Houston community is mourning the loss of former football student-athlete D.J. Hayden, Zachary McMillian and Ralph Oragwu earlier today, and our thoughts and prayers remain with Jeffery Lewis as he moves forward with his recovery, andquot; the school said in a statement. andquot;We extend our deepest condolences to their families, friends and loved ones as we mourn together the loss of three individuals who made an indelible impact on every life they touched.andquot;.