NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Linebacker Daiyan Henley of the Los Angeles Chargers took the field on Sunday, determined to play despite the devastating loss of his older brother, Jabari Henley, who was tragically killed in a shooting on Friday night.
In the Chargers” 27-20 victory over the Tennessee Titans, Henley contributed significantly with seven tackles, his third sack of the season, a tackle for loss, and a quarterback hit. After the game, he expressed how vital football has become in his life during this challenging time. “Right now, I”m just floating and the only thing that”s consistent right now in my life, and this is crazy to say, is football,” Henley stated. “So for me, that”s why I”m out there is because this is the most consistent thing I”ve got in my life right now is football. And I”m just trying to make the most of it.”
Henley, a third-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Washington State University, was informed of the tragic news early Saturday morning by teammate Denzel Perryman, who encouraged him to call his mother. “Being transparent, I dropped to my knees,” Henley recalled, reflecting on the moment he learned of his brother”s death.
The linebacker”s father, Eugene “Big U” Henley, is a well-known record executive who has collaborated with high-profile West Coast rappers, including Snoop Dogg, Kurupt, and the late Nipsey Hussle. His father has also had a tumultuous past, having served 12 years of a 23-year sentence following his arrest in a drug operation.
Henley took to social media after the game to honor his brother, posting, “Love you big bro.” The year has been particularly grueling for him, as he previously played while battling illness in a 20-9 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders earlier in the season. He expressed gratitude for the support he has received from the Chargers organization, including head coach Jim Harbaugh, who has been a source of comfort and guidance during this trying time. “He”s probably been the first call I”ve gotten for every situation,” Henley noted. “He”s been there, right there and just told me, keep my head down, keep grinding, keep working, and try to stay consistent.”
