D.J. Hayden was a cornerback in the National Football League, having played college football for the Houston Cougars. He was drafted in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders.
Bio/Wiki
Age- 33 years
Height- 1.8 m
Weight- 86 kg
Full name- Derek Sherrard Hayden Jr.
Born- 27 June 1990
Birth place- Houston, Texas, United States
Died: 11 November 2023,
Death place- Houston, Texas, United States
Profession- American american football cornerback
Nationality- American
Parents
D.J. Hayden, the former NFL star, is the son of Derek and Tori Hayden.
Wife
According to sources, D.J. Hayden was married to Kendra Hayden. The couple had two children, a son named Derek III and a daughter named Kori.
Career
College Career
In 2009, Derek Sherrard Hayden Jr. made an impact at Navarro College, playing 10 games as a freshman and recording 23 tackles with one for loss. During his sophomore year, he played a pivotal role in leading Navarro College to its second NJCAA National Football Championship in the 2010 season. Hayden played in all 11 games, registering 33 solo tackles, six pass breakups, and three interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown. He was also ranked #41 on Rivals.com’s Top 50 Junior College players list.
Hayden committed to the University of Houston on June 8, 2010, and joined the university in 2011. Playing for the Houston Cougars football team in 2011 and 2012, he emerged as a shutdown corner, leading the team with 11 passes broken up. In his first year, he recorded 52 solo tackles, two interceptions (one for a touchdown return), 1.0 sacks, and a team-leading five forced fumbles. The 2012 season concluded with a victory against #23 Penn State in the TicketCity Bowl.
During the first nine games of the 2012 season, Hayden displayed outstanding performance with 61 total tackles, eight passes defended, and four interceptions, two of which resulted in touchdowns. Unfortunately, tragedy struck during practice before the tenth game when he suffered a season-ending and life-threatening injury. A collision in a passing drill tore the inferior vena cava in his heart, an injury usually associated with high-speed vehicle accidents. Despite the severity of the injury, Hayden remarkably earned first-team All-Conference USA honors.
Professional Career
On March 18, 2013, Derek Sherrard Hayden Jr. showcased his skills at Houston’s Pro Day, completing most drills but missing some due to a hamstring injury sustained during the 40-yard dash. NFL analysts ranked him as the top cornerback prospect (Mike Mayock), the seventh cornerback (John Norris), and the fourth-best cornerback (NFLDraftScout.com) in the 2013 NFL Draft. The Oakland Raiders selected him in the first round (12th overall), making him the second cornerback chosen that year after Dee Milliner.
On July 25, 2013, Hayden signed a four-year, fully guaranteed $10.32 million contract with a $5.88 million signing bonus. In 2014, he was placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list for the first six games due to a recurring foot injury. Despite this setback, he entered training camp as the starting cornerback for the Oakland Raiders under head coach Jack Del Rio.
The Raiders opted not to pick up Hayden’s fifth-year option on his rookie contract in May 2016. Subsequently, he competed for a starting cornerback position but ended up as the fourth cornerback on the depth chart. On March 10, 2017, the Detroit Lions signed him to a one-year, $3.75 million contract. In 2018, Hayden inked a three-year deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars worth $19 million, with $9.5 million guaranteed.
On December 18, 2021, Hayden joined the Washington Football Team’s practice squad and signed a reserve/future contract on January 19, 2022. However, he was released on April 8, 2022.
Net Worth 2023
D.J. Hayden’s net worth is approximated at $5 million. Over his eight-year NFL career, he accumulated earnings amounting to $33.3 million.
D.J. Hayden Cause of Death
Former NFL player DJ Hayden among 6 killed in Houston crash
Former NFL player D.J. Hayden, along with two of his former college teammates, tragically lost their lives in a two-car crash in downtown Houston. The incident occurred around 2 a.m. when a black Chrysler sedan, reportedly speeding through a red light on Fannin St., collided with a black Acura SUV that had the right of way on Pierce St. The crash claimed the lives of six people, including Hayden, Zachary McMillian, and Ralph Oragwu.
Jeffery Lewis, another former UH football player, survived the accident. The collision resulted in the death of five males and one female, with four individuals pronounced dead at the scene and two others succumbing to injuries later at the hospital. A female survivor remains in critical condition, while a male survivor is cooperating with investigators.
The driver of the Chrysler, who ran the red light, died at the scene. Among the victims, Hayden, who had a noteworthy career as a first-round draft pick for the Raiders in 2013, was in the Acura SUV. The identities of the deceased have not yet been released by the police.
D.J. Hayden gained attention in 2012 after surviving a near-fatal heart injury during practice. He later joined the Oakland Raiders as the 12th overall pick in the 2013 NFL draft. The Las Vegas Raiders expressed condolences, emphasizing Hayden’s courage and dedication. The former NFL player was 33 years old, and his alma mater, the University of Houston, mourned his passing alongside McMillian and Oragwu.
