DJ Hayden, a former NFL player, died in a car accident early Saturday morning, ESPN reported. He was 33 years old.
The former cornerback was one of six people killed in Houston on Nov. 11 after a vehicle ran a red light around 2 a.m., collided with another car and struck a pedestrian on the sidewalk, according to the Houston Police Department.
According to HPD, four people were pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, including a pedestrian and a driver who ran a red light.
As of Saturday morning, four more were taken to a nearby hospital where two have died, one is in critical condition and one is in stable condition and is being treated by police.
Matt Ulrich’s wife speaks out after former NFL star’s death, says she and four children ‘love you so much’
DJ Hayden died after a car accident in Houston.
Houston Chronicle via AP
Two of Hayden’s former University of Houston teammates, Zach McMillian and Ralph Oragwu, were killed in the crash, ESPN reported. Jeffery Lewis, another former Houston Cougar, was injured.
In a statement honoring the players Saturday, the Cougars athletic department wrote: “The entire University of Houston community is heartbroken by the tragic deaths of former football student-athletes DJ Hayden, Zachary McMillian and Ralph Oragwu earlier today, and our thoughts and prayers remain with Jeffery Lewis for his upcoming recovery.”
“We extend our deepest condolences to their families, friends and loved ones as we collectively mourn the loss of three individuals who left an indelible impact on every life they touched,” the statement read. “While their combined talents have provided Houston Football with some of its most memorable moments, their unique legacies will be best remembered for the way they loved their teammates, supported their communities and defied the odds.”
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(863x348:865x350)/DJ-Hayden-Dead-111223-01-ba239303d26447a282630c8864870b6c.jpg)
DJ Hayden died on November 11, 2023 at the age of 33.
AP Photo/Aaron Doster
Super Bowl champion and former Indianapolis Colts star Matt Ulrich has died at the age of 41
After suffering a near-fatal heart injury following a crash at practice in 2012, Hayden was the first overall draft pick of the Las Vegas (formerly Oakland) Raiders in 2013. The team shared a post honoring Hayden on Saturday afternoon.
“The Raiders family is saddened by the tragic loss of former cornerback DJ Hayden,” the Raiders said in a statement. “The first overall pick of the Raiders out of the University of Houston in 2013, DJ overcame a heart injury suffered in college practice to play nine years in the NFL, including his first four with the Silver and Black.”
The statement continued: “DJ’s courage, perseverance and dedication to his teammates will be fondly remembered by all who knew him. The prayers of all of Raider Nation are with DJs loved ones at this time.”
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(429x504:431x506)/DJ-Hayden-Dead-111223-04-115f78a568e9433490ece1ab0d9accf4.jpg)
DJ Hayden 2015 The former NFL player died in 2023 at the age of 33.
Mike Windle/Getty
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
After a college career with the Cougars and a stint with the Raiders, the Houston native also played for the Detroit Lions, Jacksonville Jaguars and Washington Commanders before retiring from the NFL after the 2021 season, according to ESPN.
During his nine-year, 92-game NFL career, he earned 328 tackles, 4 interceptions and 4 forced fumbles, according to the agency.
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education