Nick Hayden: From Struggle to Success
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DALLAS (CBS11 SPORTS) - Cowboys defensive tackle Nick Hayden has scratched and clawed his way through an 8-year NFL career. A career that seemed destined to end just a couple years ago.
As his wife Milania says, "I didn't think he was ever going to get the opportunity to play again."
Nick admits, "it was stressful and I'm glad the Cowboys gave me the opportunity to show my skill set again."
Drafted by Carolina in 2008, Hayden spent three years there before getting cut and signing with Cincinnati in 2011.
The very next year (2012) he was given an injury settlement which left him without a team for the entire year.
In February 2013, the Cowboys came knocking. Not long after, Nick and Milania had their most precious gift, a daughter Layla, now 2 1/2.
Nick says Layla has settled him down and made him refocus on life.
Milania says every year she worries about where they as a family are going to live, knowing that Nick is fighting for his job each and every day.
Nick says he doesn't worry anymore. As long as his wife and daughter are okay, that's enough for him.
Anything beyond this point in his career is icing on the cake.
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