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Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Daiyan Henley played Sunday’s game against the Tennessee Titans with a heavy heart after learning his brother was killed earlier in the week.
His older brother, Jabari, was shot and killed Friday night in Los Angeles. The NFL player stayed in Nashville for the game against the Titans.
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Tennessee Titans wide receiver Van Jefferson (11) runs past Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Daiyan Henley (0) after a catch during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
He said teammate Denzel Perryman told him to call his mother while the team was at the hotel, according to ESPN. He admitted he “went to his knees” when he heard the tragic news. Los Angeles police told the outlet that Jabari Henley was shot multiple times as he approached a vehicle and that no suspects have been identified in the killing.
Daiyan Henley explained why he decided to play and not return home.
“Right now, I’m floating and the only thing that’s consistent in my life right now, and it’s crazy to say, is football,” Henley told reporters. “So for me, that’s why I’m here, because the most constant thing I have in my life right now is football. And I’m just trying to make the most of it.”
Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward (1) is tackled by Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Daiyan Henley (0) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
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Henley had seven tackles and a sack in the 27-20 victory. He knelt and briefly prayed after sacking Titans quarterback Cam Ward.
“I just wanted to talk to my brother one more time,” Henley said via ESPN. “It was just an emotional moment for me to be able to play a role on a day like this, to lose him so soon. Like I said, it’s been a long year for me, so I just had to send up a prayer and hopefully he heard it.”
He credited Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh for helping him through a tough year.
Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears (2) runs past Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Daiyan Henley (0) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee. (AP Photo/George Walker IV))
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“He was probably the first call I got for every situation,” Henley said. “He’s been there, right there and just told me to keep my head down, keep working, keep working and try to stay consistent.”
