Mercury Hayes facts for kids

Mercury Wayne Hayes (born January 1, 1973) is a former American football player. He played as a wide receiver, kickoff returner, and punt returner. He was part of the National Football League (NFL) with the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons. He also played in the Canadian Football League (CFL) for the Montreal Alouettes.

Before playing professionally, Hayes was a star player for the University of Michigan Wolverines football team. He was chosen in the 5th round of the 1996 NFL draft as the 136th player picked overall. Even though his professional career was short, he was part of many exciting moments for the University of Michigan. He is famous for his game-winning catch in the 1995 Pigskin Classic against the University of Virginia. Hayes also held a Michigan record for catching a pass in 30 games in a row. He was on the 1992 Big Ten Champions team that won the 1993 Rose Bowl. Hayes went to Booker T. Washington High School in Houston, Texas.

College Football Journey

Hayes played in the 1993 Rose Bowl.

After high school in Houston, Mercury Hayes was wanted by many top college football teams. He chose the University of Michigan. He picked Michigan over other strong programs like Colorado, Florida State, Arkansas, and USC.

During Hayes' time at Michigan, the team's best year was 1992. They won the Big Ten Conference Championship under coach Gary Moeller. That year, Michigan finished fifth in the country in major polls. They also beat the Washington Huskies 38–31 in the 1993 Rose Bowl on January 1, 1993. This game is remembered for Tyrone Wheatley's amazing performance. Hayes had a 10-yard catch in that game.

In 1995, Hayes had a fantastic game against the Virginia Cavaliers, gaining 179 receiving yards. This was the most yards by any Michigan receiver, tight end, or running back that year. His 48 catches and 923 yards also led all Michigan players in receiving for the 1995 season. At the end of his college career, his 2144 total receiving yards were among the best in Michigan history.

In 1995, Hayes set a Michigan football record by catching a pass in 30 games in a row. This record was later broken by other players. He also ranks high in Michigan history for yards per catch and total yards gained from all plays. He is also listed among Michigan's top players for returning kickoffs and punts.

Hayes and Amani Toomer were a special pair of Michigan receivers. They were the fourth duo in Michigan history to each have over 2000 career receiving yards. Hayes' 2,144 career yards and 124 catches place him high on Michigan's all-time lists.

Memorable Games

Mercury Hayes wore jersey number 9 for the Michigan Wolverines from 1992 to 1995. He was highly recruited by several universities. The University of Colorado even saved a scholarship for him, hoping he would change his mind after committing to Michigan.

On September 24, 1994, Michigan played against Colorado in a game known as "The Miracle at Michigan." Colorado, coached by former Michigan staff member Bill McCartney, won 27–26. Colorado's quarterback Kordell Stewart threw a 64-yard "hail mary pass" as time ran out. In this game, Hayes had 3 catches for 62 yards and also returned kickoffs. This ending is one of the most exciting in Michigan Football history.

Hayes is famous for his game-winning catch on August 26, 1995. He caught a 15-yard touchdown pass from Scott Dreisbach as time expired. This sealed an 18–17 win against the University of Virginia Cavaliers in the Pigskin Classic. This play completed what was then the biggest comeback in Michigan Football history. It happened in Lloyd Carr's first game as head coach. This game is also considered one of the wildest finishes in Michigan Football history.

On November 18, 1995, Hayes played in a game against the Penn State Nittany Lions where fans threw ice and snowballs. Despite the tough conditions, Hayes caught 6 passes for 132 yards. Michigan lost the game 27–17.

Hayes also had great games against his hometown team, the Houston Cougars football team, as a freshman and sophomore. As a sophomore in 1993, he gained 127 yards on six catches. He also had good punt and kickoff returns in that game. This was his highest total yards gained from all plays in a single game.

Professional Football Journey

The 1996 NFL draft was known for having many talented wide receivers. Famous receivers like Keyshawn Johnson and Marvin Harrison were drafted that year. Hayes was one of three players picked by the Saints in the fifth round. He was drafted just after Joe Horn, who became a Pro Bowl wide receiver.

Mercury Hayes' longest catch in the NFL was 50 yards. This happened in 1996 during a game against the St. Louis Rams. He played in 7 games for the New Orleans Saints in his first year. He had 4 catches for 101 yards. Hayes started the 1997 National Football League season with the Saints and played in 4 more games.

Hayes then signed with the Atlanta Falcons in October 1997 and played in two games for them. He was later released by the Falcons. In September 1998, he joined the Washington Redskins practice squad but was released a few weeks later. In February 1999, he was drafted by the Barcelona Dragons but left the team five weeks later.

Mercury Hayes signed with the Montreal Alouettes in June 1999. He was released and then re-signed by them. His 2000 season started well with impressive plays in pre-season games. However, he later got injured. He was released from the team in September. In 2002, he tried to play professionally again with the Norfolk Nighthawks. This was his last attempt at professional football.

See also

• Lists of Michigan Wolverines football receiving leaders