Hayes played his high school football at Passaic County Technical Institute.
He was high school teammates with former NFL players Marcel Shipp and Mike Adams.
[2] Hayes attended the University of Pittsburgh and was an Administration of Justice Major and a letterman in football.
On April 18, 2006, he signed a one-year qualifying offer on playing his 4th season with the Cardinals.
[5] The San Diego Chargers signed Hayes on October 11, 2011.