Former NFL CB D.J. Hayden among 6 dead in car accident

Field Level Media|published: Sat 11th November, 13:09 2023

Aug 16, 2020; Jacksonville, Florida, United States; Jacksonville Jaguars corner back D.J. Hayden (25) walks down the field during training camp drills at the Dream Finders Homes training facility. credits: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Former NFL cornerback D.J. Hayden was among six people killed in Houston early Saturday morning after a car sped through a red light and caused a collision with another vehicle. He was 33.

Per Houston police, four people were pronounced dead at the scene and two more perished after being taken to a local hospital. Police noted that five males — including former University of Houston cornerback Zach McMillian, Hayden's teammate — and one female were among the fatalities.

A two-time All-Conference USA honoree with Houston, Hayden made national headlines after a collision in practice caused a tear in his heart. He was discharged from the hospital a week later and was selected by the then-Oakland Raiders with the 12th overall pick of the 2013 NFL Draft.

Hayden recorded 328 tackles, 4.5 sacks, four interceptions and four forced fumbles in 92 career games (41 starts) with the Raiders (2013-16), Detroit Lions (2017), Jacksonville Jaguars (2018-20) and Washington Commanders (2021).

—Field Level Media