EXCLUSIVE: Taraji P Henson holds hands with NFL star Kelvin Hayden during an early evening walk on the beach in Miami

Taraji P. Henson apparently has a new man in her life.  The Empire star was spotted on the beach in Miami holding hands with NFL cornerback Kelvin Hayden.

According to a source, the two had a romantic dinner date the night before at Prime 112. “They were affectionate,” an eyewitness tells Us of the duo, who showed off their trim physiques on the beach Monday.

The Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated star told Harper’s Bazaar in August that she was single, but offered up what she looks for in a man.

“He is funny, has personality, he doesn’t take himself too seriously,” she said. “He needs to be confident in who he is, confident to let me be who I am. And let me shine, you know? My light is only going to enhance his light.”

Henson is 45, Hayden is 32; he was last signed and released by the Chicago Bears in 2014 and is currently a free agent.

*photos in gallery above*

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