D.J. Hayden, Ex Washington DB & NFL 1st-Round Pick, Among 6 Dead in Car Crash

D.J. Hayden, Ex Washington DB & NFL 1st-Round Pick, Among 6 Dead in Car Crash

Former NFL cornerback D.J. Hayden, who played his final season as a member of the Washington Commanders in 2021, was among the six people who died early Saturday morning in a car crash in Houston.

He was 33 years old.

Former University of Houston defensive back Zach McMillian was also among those killed in the accident.

Hayden began his college career at Navarro College in his native Texas, and then transferred to the University of Houston from 2011 to 2012 before he was drafted in the first round by the Raiders in 2013. 

Hayden’s final college season was marked by him having experienced a life-threatening heart issue after a collision with another player during practice. But he survived that incident to become a college standout.

After having been a premium pick in his draft, Hayden played in the NFL for nine years, the first four with the Raiders before later spending time with the Detroit Lions, the Jacksonville Jaguars and finally the Washington Football Team.

In his 92 total games, Hayden totaled 328 tackles, 4.5 sacks and four interceptions. He last played in the league in 2021.