Late professional football player DJ Hayden had not been associated with any team since April 2022. With his sudden death, football fans are curious to know everything concerning him, including his net worth.
One of the top picks of the 2013 NFL draft, Hayden was among the highest-earning athletes in the NFL in his early years. However, he earned much less in the later seasons.
This article will cover DJ Hayden’s career earnings, net worth, and contract details. Please read it further to know about the topic in detail.
Derek Sherrard Hayden Jr., better known as DJ Hayden, was an American professional football player who played in the NFL for nine seasons. He began his NFL career after the Oakland Raiders chose him as the 12th pick in the 2013 draft.
Following this, he played league games for three other teams, Detroit Lions, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Washington Commanders, until the end of the 2021 season.
Before his professional debut, Hayden was a collegiate football player for Navarro College and Houston Cougars. Hayden earned his bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Houston in 2012.
DJ Hayden’s Net Worth Before Death
Exploring His Contract And Salary
DJ Hayden had a net worth of around $5 million at his death. Although it varies from source to source, one can easily confirm his net worth near the mentioned amount, considering his career earnings.
Chosen as one of the top picks in the 2013 NFL draft, Hayden signed a four-year contract worth $10.3 million with the Oaklahoma Raiders. As a result, it guaranteed him $2.58 million in annual salary.
Additionally, he received $5.58 million as a signing bonus.
After his contract with the Raiders ended in 2017, DJ signed a one-year contract worth $3.7 million with the Detroit Lions. Moreover, the club offered him $1 million as a signing bonus.
Similarly, Hayden later earned over $20 million from his stints with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Washington Commanders. He made over $30 million from his NFL career until 2022.
As a professional athlete, his primary source of earning was league games. However, he also earned money through brand deals and merch sales.
Little On DJ Hayden’s Early Life And Family
DJ Hayden was born to his parents, Tori and Derek Hayden, on June 27, 1990, in Houston, Texas. Besides him, his parents had a daughter named Taylor.
Although born to parents with no strong athletic backgrounds, Hayden began participating in sports activities from a young age. In fact, his parents encouraged him to explore his athletic side.
His dad, Derek, was formerly a Justin F. Kimball High School student in Texas and briefly played high school football. Although he never became a serious football player, he was an avid fan.
So, Hayden later played high school football for the Elkins High School’s football team. His parents attended almost every game he played and were proud when he made it to the NFL in 2013.
Furthermore, his sister, Taylor, is a photographer and strategist. She is currently the CEO and owner of TMH Creative, a company specializing in visual content strategy and photography.
