D.J. Hayden played for the Lions in 2017.

Former Detroit Lions defensive back D.J. Hayden has tragically passed away. 

According to multiple reports, Hayden was one of six individuals who were killed in a car accident in Houston. 

A former 2013 first-round draft pick, the talented defensive back spent the 2017 season in Motown and also had stints with the Raiders, Jaguars and Commanders. 

The crash reportedly occurred in the early morning hours on Saturday. 

The 33 year-old overcame a serious medical situation in college and was still able to work his way to become the No. 12 overall pick of the 2013 NFL Draft. 

“It was a regular day at practice. We were doing team vs. scout team,” Heyden recalled, via Bleacher Report. “They threw the ball my way. Me and the safety ran into each other. His knee hit me in my chest. I fell to the ground. It felt like I got the wind knocked out of me. When I was breathing, I just wasn’t breathing right.”

After seeking medical attention, doctors diagnosed Hayden with a tear of the inferior vena cava, which is the largest vein in the body that is responsible for bringing blood from the lower half of the body back to the heart. 

In Detroit, Hayden started one game and recorded nine passes defensed, two fumble recoveries and a touchdown in 16 games played. 

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