D.J. Hayden, a former defensive back for the Detroit Lions, went away sadly.
Hayden was one of six people killed in an automobile accident in Houston, according to various accounts.
Formerly selected in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft, this gifted defensive back played in Motown for the 2017 season and
previously had spells with the Commanders, Raiders, and Jaguars.
According to reports, the collision happened early on Saturday morning.
Despite overcoming a significant medical condition in college, the 33-year-old managed to rise to the position of No. 12 overall in the
2013 NFL Draft.
“It was just another typical practice day. Heyden remembered, according to Bleacher Report, “We were playing team vs. scout team.”
“They tossed me the ball. The safety and I ran into one another. I felt his knee strike my chest. I dropped to the floor. I felt as though
my wind had been taken away. I simply wasn’t breathing correctly when I was.”
Upon seeking medical assistance, Hayden’s condition was determined to be a tear in the inferior vena cava, the largest vein in the body
that returns blood from the lower body to the heart.
Hayden played in 16 games with Detroit, starting one, and recording nine passes defensed, two fumble recoveries, and a touchdown.
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