Photo by Tony Gonzales
CB DJ Hayden has been selected as the Raiders Ed Block Courage Award recipient.
The Ed Block Courage Award is presented to the player who exemplifies a commitment to the principles of sportsmanship and courage. The recipient is selected by a vote of his teammates.
Hayden, over the course of two seasons, has endured his share of setbacks. He entered the NFL after recovering from a freak injury during one of his college practices that tore his vena cava and required heart surgery. After finally making his return at the start of his rookie season, his season was cut short because of a groin injury. He had recorded 29 tackles, one interception, two passes defensed and a forced fumble in eight games. Then, to start the 2014 season, Hayden's return was marred with a foot injury and placed on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list.
Despite these setbacks, the second-year player out of the University of Houston never gave up.
Hayden was activated from the PUP list October 25, 2014.
Since returning to the active roster, Hayden has seen significant time at the cornerback position, recording 30 tackles, six passes defensed and an interception. That interception came against future Hall of Fame QB Peyton Manning.
