Nine seasons in the league and a first-round selection of the Oakland Raiders, D.J. Hayden passed away in an automobile accident in Houston on November 11. 33 was his age.
According to the Houston Chronicle, which cited a local police report, the accident claimed the lives of Hayden, Zach McMillan, 32, Ralph Oragwu, 31, and another man and woman. The Chrysler 300 ran a red light and collided with an Acura SUV at around two in the morning.
At a press conference, a representative for the Houston Police Department stated that two individuals—a woman and a former UH football player named Jeffrey Lewis—survived the impact and are still being treated in hospitals. According to the spokeswoman, the latter has injuries that could be fatal. Authorities are still trying to figure out who was driving the Acura, but the driver of the Chrysler was murdered. Furthermore, according to the police spokeswoman, one of the victims seemed to be homeless. Investigations into the incident are still ongoing.
“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 University of Houston Athletics department 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.”
The statement went on to say, “While their combined talents provided Houston Football some of its most unforgettable moments, their unique legacies will best be remembered for the way they loved their teammates, supported their communities and defied the odds.”
Hayden is originally from Missouri City, Texas, and was born Derek Sherrard Hayden, Jr. In 2011 and 2012, he was a defensive back for UH. He had surgery after suffering a potentially fatal injury during a practice in the previous year, tearing a key vein that supplies his heart.
The Raiders drafted Hayden with the 12th overall pick in 2013. Before signing a contract with the Detroit Lions in 2017, he spent four seasons playing cornerback for the California squad. He inked a three-year deal with the Jackson Jaguars a year later. He was cut the following year after joining the Washington Commanders practice squad in 2021.
