Former NFL player D.J. Hayden died early on Saturday morning in an automobile accident, according to ESPN. 33 was his age.
According to the Houston Police Department, the former cornerback was one of six people slain in Houston on Nov. 11 after a car ran a red light at around two in the morning, colliding with another vehicle and hitting a pedestrian on the sidewalk.
Four people, including the driver who ran the red light and the pedestrian, were pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, according to the HPD.
Four others had been taken to a nearby hospital as of Saturday morning; two of them had died, one was critically ill, and one was stable and being questioned by police.
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Zach McMillian and Ralph Oragwu, two of Hayden’s former teammates at the University of Houston, perished in the collision, according to ESPN. Another former
Jeffrey Lewis, a Houston Cougar, was also hurt.
The Cougars athletic department paid tribute to the players on Saturday by writing, “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 statement said, “We collectively mourn the loss of three individuals who made an indelible impact on each life they touched. We extend our deepest condolences to their families, friends, and loved ones.” “Even though their combined abilities gave Houston Football some of its most memorable moments, their individual legacies will be most recognized for the love and support they gave to their communities, defied adversity, and loved their teammates.”
DJ Hayden, former NFL Raider Deceased at 33
On November 11, 2023, D.J. Hayden, 33, passed away. Photo by Aaron Doster/AP
Matt Ulrich, a former Indianapolis Colts star and Super Bowl champion, passed away at age 41.
Hayden was the first overall pick of the Las Vegas (formerly Oakland) Raiders in the 2013 NFL Draft, having suffered a near-fatal cardiac injury in a practice collision in 2012. On Saturday afternoon, the group honored Hayden with a post.
The Raiders released a statement saying, “The Raiders Family is mourning the tragic loss of former cornerback D.J. Hayden.” “After overcoming a heart injury he suffered during a college practice, D.J., the Raiders’ first-round draft pick in 2013 out of the University of Houston, played nine years in the NFL, including his first four with the Silver and Black.”
The statement went on, “Everyone who knew D.J. will remember him with love for his bravery, tenacity, and devotion to his teammates. The entire Raider Nation is sending its condolences to D.J.’s family during this difficult time.
DJ Hayden, former NFL Raider Deceased at 33
Hayden, D.J. (2015). The 33-year-old former NFL player passed away in 2023. GETTY/MIKE WINDLE
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The Houston native played for the Detroit Lions, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Washington Commanders before retiring from the NFL after the 2021 season, according to ESPN, following his time with the Cougars and Raiders during his college career.
According to the outlet, he recorded 328 tackles, 4 interceptions, and 4 forced fumbles in his nine-year, 92-game NFL career.
