American football star DJ Hayden tragically lost his life in a car accident, marking a devastating end to his promising career.
After spending around ten seasons in the National Football League (NFL), Hayden’s untimely passing has left a void in the hearts of football fans worldwide.
The news of his death spread like wildfire across the internet, with countless individuals offering prayers and condolences to Hayden and his grieving family.
Reports confirmed that Derek Sherrard Hayden Jr., known by his fans as DJ Hayden, died in a fatal car accident in Houston, Texas.
Hayden, who had played for several NFL teams throughout his career, was involved in a collision that claimed his life, along with former Cougar player Zach McMillan.
Both Hayden and McMillan were among the six individuals tragically killed in the accident.
According to the Houston Chronicles’ Joseph Duarte, the accident occurred when their car ran a red light on Fannin Street at approximately 2 am.
The collision involved a black Chrysler 300 and a black Acura SUV. While two individuals were pronounced dead at the scene, two others succumbed to their injuries later on.
Horrible news: Former NFL cornerback and #Raiders 1st round pick, CB D.J. Hayden killed in collision near downtown Houston, per @Joseph_Duarte
Hayden was among six people killed when a car sped through a red light on Fannin Street near the Gulf Freeway around 2 a.m., according… pic.twitter.com/YakK0GtLBu
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) November 11, 2023
DJ Hayden’s football journey began at Elkin High School, where he showcased his exceptional skills on the field.
After graduating, Hayden continued his athletic pursuits at Navarro College before eventually transferring to the University of Houston. As a member of the Houston Cougars, he left an indelible mark with his stellar performances.
In the 2013 NFL draft, Hayden’s talent caught the attention of the Oakland Raiders, who selected him in the first round as the 12th overall pick.
However, his professional career also led him to play for other teams such as the Detroit Lions, the Jacksonville Jaguars, and the Washington Football Team.
Throughout his career, Derek Hayden Jr. achieved numerous career highlights and received accolades for his remarkable contributions to the sport.
In 2012, he was honored with the prestigious First-team All-C-USA title.
Additionally, in 2011, Hayden was recognized as the Second-team All-C-USA player and was named the C-USA Newcomer of the Year.
Over the course of his career, he recorded an impressive 328 tackles. Moreover, Hayden intercepted the ball four times.
His expertise extended to pass deflections as well, with an impressive 46 deflections throughout his time in the league.
