Issue link: https://tmcpulse.uberflip.com/i/778575
t m c » p u l s e | j a n / f e b 2 0 1 7 7 In a remarkable, even unimaginably quick recov- ery, Hayden was released from the hospital after six days. The 5'11" athlete, who typically weighs close 190 pounds, dropped 25 pounds and, at first, struggled to climb stairs. But he persevered. Just four months after his near-death experience, he ran a 4.3-second 40-yard dash at UH's Pro Day. "I still wanted to play football, and I had to be where I had to be, and I had to go where I wanted to go," said Hayden, now 26. "It was just a process. It took me about three to four months, and basically I just had to keep working hard to get healthy and just challenge myself. I would go work out, and push myself to get through the workouts. I read the Bible." The following year, spring of 2013, Hayden went 12th overall in the first round of the NFL draft to the Oakland Raiders. "At the time, you just hoped he would walk out of the hospital and live a normal life," O'Shea said. "But he got drafted, played pro football. It's quite remarkable." Hayden has spent the past four years with the Raiders. Foot and groin injuries took him off the roster for parts of 2013 and 2014. And in December 2016, he was placed on the injured reserve list for a hamstring injury, ending his season. Come March, for the first time ever in his profes- sional career, Hayden will be a free agent. Time will tell if this means a major career shift or if he will rise from the ashes, once again, to play pro ball. Either way, he's prepared. "I learned to trust my body a lot," Hayden said. "Your body knows how far you can go. And I feel like I have become a great judge of my own mind. I have a better hold on how I can prepare myself mentally for different trauma situations." Until March, his plans are relatively low-key. "I'm taking everything day by day," Hayden said. "I'm looking forward to going home to see my family and stop at Pappadeaux while I'm there. I am really a homebody. I love to stay at home with my daughter, Dylan, and take it easy." The scar is a daily reminder of God's plan for me. — D.J. HAYDEN Cornerback for the Oakland Raiders Hayden celebrates with a teammate during a Raiders game. Credit: AP/ Ben Margot, courtesy of the Oakland Raiders