SideLion Report
FanSided

Free Agent Profiles: Get to Know Detroit’s Newest Additions

By Ryan O'Bleness

Feb 2, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Atlanta Falcons linebacker Paul Worrilow answers questions during a press conference at Westin Houston Memorial City Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 2, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Atlanta Falcons linebacker Paul Worrilow answers questions during a press conference at Westin Houston Memorial City Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 6
Next

D.J. Hayden, Cornerback

Nov 8, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) is hit by Oakland Raiders cornerback DJ Hayden (25) during the second half at Heinz Field. The Steelers won the game, 38-35. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) is hit by Oakland Raiders cornerback DJ Hayden (25) during the second half at Heinz Field. The Steelers won the game, 38-35. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports /

Previous Team(s): Oakland Raiders, 2013-2016

Draft: 2013: Round 1, Pick 12 out of Houston

Career Stats: 179 tackles, 1 sack, 26 pass deflections, three interceptions

Hayden never really lived up to his first-round draft status in Oakland. Maybe it was because of injuries, or maybe just poor play, but the Lions decided to take a gamble on him and sign him to a one-year deal. Hayden appeared in all 16 games just once in his career (2015).

He’s already said that he’s looking for a fresh start in Detroit. He also already participates in offseason workouts with Darius Slay and Glover Quin, his new secondary mates. It seems like he has the right attitude and is excited to be here. But will that translate on the field? Time will tell.

What Lions fan may not know, is that Hayden actually has a remarkable story. While he was a senior in college, a collision at practice caused a vein to tear in his heart – an injury that is often seen in automobile accidents. Hayden nearly died because of this. Despite this accident, Hayden still earned first-team All-Conference USA honors in 2012.

Home/Lions Free Agency