Former NFL cornerback DJ Hayden was among six people killed in Houston early Saturday morning after a car ran a red light and caused a collision with another vehicle. He was 33 years old.
According to Houston police, four people were pronounced dead at the scene and two others died after being transported to a local hospital. Police noted that five men — including former University of Houston cornerback Zach McMillian, Hayden’s teammate — and one woman were among the victims.
A two-time All-Conference USA honoree with Houston, Hayden made national headlines after a training collision tore his heart out. He was released from the hospital a week later and was selected by the then-Oakland Raiders with the 12th overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft.
Hayden recorded 328 tackles, 4.5 sacks, four interceptions and four forced fumbles in 92 career games (41 starts) with the Raiders (2013-16), Detroit Lions (2017), Jacksonville Jaguars (2018- 20) and the Washington Commanders (2021). .
