From Special Teams to Star: Daiyan Henley’s Journey to Chargers' Top Linebacker

In 2023, Chargers linebacker Daiyan Henley’s journey to the NFL felt like a Hollywood script. Growing up near SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, Henley’s dream of playing in the pros began at Crenshaw High, where he switched positions from quarterback to wide receiver at Nevada, before finally moving to linebacker at Washington State. The Chargers drafted him in the third round, No. 85 overall, making Henley’s dream come true.

However, his rookie season didn’t go as planned. Henley played only 51 defensive snaps, primarily on special teams, as depth behind starters Kenneth Murray Jr., Eric Kendricks, and Nick Niemann. “I chased this dream for so long… but being a special teamer wasn’t my goal,” Henley said. That frustration became his motivation.

The 2024 season brought a fresh opportunity. With Murray and Kendricks gone and new head coach Jim Harbaugh on board, Henley took advantage of the chance to step up. Although the Chargers added linebackers Denzel Perryman, Troy Dye, and drafted Junior Colson, Henley emerged as one of the team’s top linebackers. When the season began, Henley rotated in but eventually secured a more prominent role, playing over 60 snaps in most games from Weeks 8 to 16.

Henley’s season wasn’t without challenges. A torn labrum in Week 4 didn’t sideline him; instead, he played through the injury, using a shoulder strap for two games. Despite a tough performance against the Cardinals in Week 7, Henley bounced back, finishing with double-digit tackles in eight of the next nine games, including a career-high 15 tackles against the Titans.

Henley’s standout performance caught the attention of Harbaugh, who praised his leadership and tackling ability. Henley finished his second season ranked eighth in the NFL in total tackles (147). "I feel much better about my football journey," Henley said. “But I know I haven’t gotten where I want to be.”

After the season, Henley underwent surgery for his labrum injury and is focused on recovery. As he heads into his third season with the Chargers, Henley is more motivated than ever. "I feel like I still haven’t had my moment yet," he said. “That’s what drives me.”

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