Former Houston football star, ex-NFL player DJ Hayden killed in car crash

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D.J. Hayden was among the six people who died in a car accident in Houston, the Raiders announced on Saturday. Hayden was 33. 

"The Raiders Family is mourning the tragic loss of former cornerback D.J. Hayden," the Raiders said in a statement. Houston police confirmed that the deadly crash happened early Saturday morning.

He was born in Houston and played college football at the University of Houston. His former fellow Cougar Zach McMillian also died in the wreck, police said. 

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D.J. Hayden, #25 of the Jacksonville Jaguars, enters the field during player introductions before a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at TIAA Bank Field on September 8, 2019, in Jacksonville, Florida. (James Gilbert/Getty Images)

Hayden captured the attention of the sports world more than a decade ago when he survived a near-fatal injury to his heart during a full-pads practice at University of Houston. He later became a first-round NFL Draft pick when the Raiders selected him No. 12 overall in 2013.

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"D.J.'s courage, perseverance, and dedication to his teammates will be fondly remembered by everyone who knew him. The prayers of the entire Raider Nation are with D.J's loved ones at this time," the Raiders statement concluded.

Houston Police Department spokesperson Asst. Chief Megan Howard said they received a call around 2 a.m. about a traffic accident. Two cars were involved in the fatal crash. The vehicles were identified as a Chrysler 300 and an Acura SUV.

Police determined that the driver of the Chrysler 300 was at fault, as the car went