Who was DJ Hayden? Former NFL cornerback among 6 dead in Houston car crash after running a red light
HOUSTON, TEXAS: Former NFL cornerback DJ Hayden, 33, who played for four teams in his nine-year career, was one of the six people killed in a horrific car crash in Houston early Saturday morning, November 11.
The accident also claimed the life of his former college teammate Zach McMillian who played for the University of Houston.
DJ Hayden and Zach McMillian were teammates at Houston
Hayden and McMillian were both standout cornerbacks for the Houston Cougars in 2011 and 2012.
They were named to the program’s all-decade team for the 2010s. Hayden was also a two-time All-Conference-USA selection in his two college seasons.
He overcame a near-fatal heart injury in 2012 when he was accidentally kneed in the chest by a teammate during a practice session.
He underwent emergency surgery and recovered remarkably well to pursue his NFL dream.
DJ Hayden was a first-round pick by the Oakland Raiders in 2013
Despite missing the final three games of his senior season at Houston, Hayden impressed NFL scouts with his speed, agility, and ball skills.
He was drafted by the Oakland Raiders with the 12th overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, becoming the highest-drafted player from Houston since 1992 as reported by The Sun.
He spent four seasons with the Raiders, appearing in 45 games and recording three interceptions.
He then signed with the Detroit Lions in 2017 where he played one season and had one sack and one interception.
He joined the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2018 and played three seasons with them, registering 3.5 sacks and 19 pass breakups, as per Bleach Report.
He played his final NFL game in 2021 with the Washington Commanders, making one tackle.
DJ Hayden was involved in a fatal collision with a speeding Chrysler
According to the Houston Police Department, the deadly accident occurred around 2 am on Fannin Street on Saturday morning, November 11, near the Gulf Freeway.
How did the crash happen which claimed DJ Hayden's life?
Two vehicles were involved in the crash, a black Chrysler 300 and a black Acura SUV.
Asst. Chief Megan Howard Media Briefing on Fatal Crash on Fannin St. at Pierce St. https://t.co/u6HboW4qSL
— Houston Police (@houstonpolice) November 11, 2023
The Chrysler ran the red light at high speed before colliding with the Acura, assistant chief Megan Howard said in a briefing.
Four people were pronounced dead at the site of the accident, including Hayden and McMillian who were in the Acura.
Four others were transported to a local hospital where two of them later died.
Howard said that five males, including one who appeared to be homeless, and one female were among the fatalities.
The police are investigating the exact circumstances of the accident, including who was driving the SUV.