Former Detroit Lions CB among 6 killed in Houston car wreck
According to multiple reports, former NFL cornerback D.J. Hayden was one of six people killed on Saturday morning in Houston after a multiple-car collision. A car sped through a red light and caused a collision with another vehicle, resulting in the deaths of Hayden and his former college teammates at the University of Houston, Zach McMillian and Ralph Oragwu. Hayden was 33 years old.
Per The Houston Chronicle, the driver who ran the red light, causing the collision, was pronounced dead at the scene. Police stated that in total, four people died at the accident site, with two more dying after being transported to the hospital.
Hayden entered the NFL as the No. 12 overall pick in the 2013 draft by the former Oakland Raiders. After spending four seasons in Oakland, Hayden signed a one-year deal with the Detroit Lions in 2017. Following the Lions’ training camp that season, he became their third cornerback behind Darius Slay and Nevin Lawson.
During his lone season with the Lions, Hayden recorded 44 tackles and two fumble recoveries, with one being returned for a touchdown on Nov. 19, 2017, during a Week 11 victory over the Chicago Bears.
In addition to the Raiders and Lions, Hayden had stints with the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Washington Football Team, respectively.
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. Hayden was 33.
Hayden’s former University of Houston teammates Zach McMillian and Ralph Oragwu were also killed in the crash, the school confirmed. The driver who ran the red light was also pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Houston Chronicle.
Police said four people were pronounced dead at the scene and two more died after being taken to a local hospital. A woman was transported to the hospital with “life-threatening injuries,” police told the Chronicle, while another person was alert and talking with investigators.
The University of Houston also said former player Jeffery Lewis was injured but recovering.
A two-time All-Conference USA honoree with Houston, Hayden made national headlines after a collision in practice in 2012 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.
“D.J.’s courage, perseverance, and dedication to his teammates will be fondly remembered by everyone who knew him,” the Raiders, now based in Las Vegas, said Saturday in a statement. “The prayers of the entire Raider Nation are with D.J.’s loved ones at this time.”
Hayden recorded 328 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 4 interceptions and 4 forced fumbles in 92 games (41 starts) with the Raiders (2013-16), Detroit Lions (2017), Jacksonville Jaguars (2018-20) and Washington Commanders (2021).
McMillian was an All-American Athletic Conference second-team selection at cornerback while playing for the Cougars from 2010 to 2013. Oragwu played on the offensive line from 2009 to 2013.
“The entire University of Houston community is heartbroken over the tragic passing of former Football student-athletes D.J. Hayden, Zachary McMillian and Ralph Oragwu earlier today, and our thoughts and prayers remain with Jeffery Lewis in his recovery ahead,” the school 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.”
