During the 1995 season, Hayden would make his NFL regular season debut in Week 11 against the Denver Broncos. However, it wouldn't be until Week 14 before getting his first career touchdown in a 31–13 win against the Cleveland Browns. He would have 2 touchdowns that game.[4] He would also make a start in the playoffs where the Chargers would lose against the Indianapolis Colts in the wild card round. Hayden would rush 80 yards in 18 carries in the game.
Hayden would return to San Diego for the 1996 season for 11 games, where he would record 55 carries for 166 yards, with no touchdowns.
Green Bay Packers
For the 1997 season, Hayden was signed by the Green Bay Packers. With Green Bay, he rushed for 148 yards with 32 carries in the regular season, helping the Packer make the playoffs. Throughout the playoffs, Hayden would see little time on the field. The Packers would end up making Super Bowl XXXII, losing 24–31 against the Denver Broncos.[5]