D.J. Hayden, a former NFL player, died at the age of 33 in a car crash.….
The NFL has lost one of its own. D.J. Hayden, an Oakland Raiders first-round pick who served nine seasons in the NFL, died in an automobile accident on November 11 in Houston. He was thirty-three. In addition to Hayden, fellow former University of Houston football players Zach McMillan, 32, Ralph Oragwu, 31, and another man and woman died in the accident, which occurred around 2 a.m. after a Chrysler 300 speeding through a red light collided with an Acura SUV, according to the Houston Chronicle, citing a local police report.
A Houston Police Department spokeswoman revealed at a press conference that another male, former UH football player Jeffery Lewis, and a lady survived the collision and are still in the hospital. The latter’s injuries are life-threatening, according to the spokesperson. The driver of the Chrysler was killed, and officials have yet to ascertain who drove the Acura. The police spokeswoman also stated that one of the victims looked to be homeless. The incident is still under investigation.
The entire University of Houston community is devastated by the tragic deaths of former Football student-athletes D.J. Hayden, Zachary McMillian, and Ralph Oragwu earlier today, and our thoughts and prayers are with Jeffery Lewis as he recovers,” the University of Houston Athletics 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.”
The statement continued by saying, “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 was born Derek Sherrard Hayden, Jr. in Missouri City, Texas. He was a defensive back at UH in 2011 and 2012. He sustained a life-threatening accident during practice last year, tore a key vein that feeds his heart, and had surgery.
Hayden, born Derek Sherrard Hayden, Jr., is originally from Missouri City, Texas. He was a defensive back for the University of Hawaii in 2011 and 2012. He sustained a life-threatening injury during a practice last year, when he tore a key vein that supplies his heart and needed surgery.
Hayden was picked as the Raiders’ No. 12 choice in the 2013 draft. He spent four seasons as a cornerback for the California club before signing with the Detroit Lions in 2017. A year later, he signed a three-year deal with the Jackson Jaguars. In 2021, he joined the Washington Commanders’ practice squad, but was dismissed the following year.
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