Perry native Casey Hayward inks deal with Dirty Birds

ATLANTA — Thursday morning, the man of suspense was definitely Perry’s own Casey Hayward, Jr. The Atlanta Falcons are signing the veteran cornerback to a two-year contract deal worth $11 million, according to the NFL Network. The final details on guaranteed money and signing bonuses will not be announced at this time.

In an interview with Mister Hayward, he mentioned: “It feels amazing to be back home in the home state and be able to play in front of my family and friends. [I’m] Super Excited.”

Prior to being selected 62nd in the 2012 NFL Draft, Hayward was a stellar defensive back at Vanderbilt University and an even better athlete at Perry High School.

Casey Hayward spent last season with the Las Vegas Raiders, as he recorded 46 tackles, nine pass deflections and an interception on the way to helping the Raiders to a postseason. Hayward is likely best known for his time with the Los Angeles Chargers. He signed back in 2016, becoming the foundation of their secondary and being named a two-time All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowler.

Hayward was released prior to the start of free agency last offseason. In five seasons, he recorded 217 tackles, 66 pass deflections and 14 interceptions. This was all while allowing a passer rating of 81.5 when targeted. Hayward also had an overall PFF grade of 75, with a coverage grade of 76.

Casey Hayward was a very talented athlete for the Perry High School Panthers. During his high school career, he was a triple-threat: an all-state performer in football, basketball and track. However, it was on the gridiron where fans saw the best of Casey Hayward. As a senior at Perry High, Hayward was a three-year starter at the positions of quarterback and defensive back. During his senior campaign, he threw for over 1,300 yards and 18 touchdowns. Hayward also had an exceptional rushing ability during his time as the gunslinger for the Perry Panthers. Alongside throwing for over 1,000 yards and 18 touchdowns, Hayward rushed for 1,284 yards and another 18 scores as well. As a lockdown cornerback, he intercepted four passes, three of which were returned for touchdowns.

In his time in the professional sports arena, the Perry native has had a great NFL career. Hayward was drafted in the second round by the Green Bay Packers in the second round of the 2012 NFL Draft and has since played five seasons with the San Diego Chargers, a team that has since changed its name to the LA Rams. Hayward has 23 career interceptions, and he is known as a threat to opposing quarterbacks. The 32-year-old was recently a member of the Las Vegas Raiders, whom he signed with earlier in 2021.

Hayward is the son of Casey Hayward, Sr. and the late Tish Hayward. He and his mother became the founders of Hayward Hands, a nonprofit organization through which he reaches back to help the citizens of Perry in various ways.

Casey Hayward will play in front of his home state in Atlanta, and the Falcons could use his leadership and mentor skills for their younger players. Hayward has started 112 out of 146 games he has played in his career, therefore can be the stable veteran opposite rising star, A.J Terrell.

Casey Hayward has good instincts, with 24 interceptions and 109 passes defended. Hayward has held opponents to under 50% completions the past two seasons (Per Pro Football focus Reference).

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