Former NFL CB DJ Hayden is among 6 killed in a car crash in Houston

Former NFL player DJ Hayden was among six people killed in Houston early Saturday morning after a car ran a red light and collided with another vehicle. Hayden was 33 years old.

According to Houston police, Hayden’s former University of Houston classmates, Zach McMillian and Ralph Orajo, were also killed in the crash. The driver who ran the red light also died at the scene, the Houston Chronicle reported.

Police said four people died at the scene and two others died after being taken to a local hospital. One woman was taken to the hospital with “life-threatening injuries,” while another person was alert and speaking with investigators, police told the Chronicle.

Hayden, a two-time All-Conference USA winner with Houston, made national headlines after a crash during practice in 2012 caused his heart to rupture. He was released from the hospital a week later and was selected by the then-Oakland Raiders with the 12th overall pick of the 2013 NFL Draft.

Hayden recorded 328 tackles, 4.5 sacks, four interceptions and four forced fumbles in 92 games (41 starts) with the Raiders (2013-16), Detroit Lions (2017), Jacksonville Jaguars (2018-20) and Washington Commanders (2021).

McMillan was a second-team All-American Athletic Conference selection at cornerback while playing for the Cougars from 2010 to 2013. Orajo played on the offensive line from 2009 to 2013.

Information from Reuters was used in this report.