Daiyan Henley Plays Emotional NFL Game 2 Days After Brother’s Death

Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Daiyan Henley pushed through an NFL game just two days after his brother Jabari Henley was shot and killed.

“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,” Daiyan, 25, told reporters on Sunday, November 2, after helping his team beat the Tennessee Titans, 27-20. “For me, that’s why I’m out there 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.”

While playing at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee, Daiyan impressed Chargers fans with seven tackles, a tackle for loss and a quarterback hit.

After collecting a sack, Daiyan appeared to drop to his knees on the field in prayer.

“I just wanted to talk to my brother one more time,” he told reporters of the emotional on-field moment. “It was an emotional moment for me, just to be able to make a play on a day like this — just losing him so soon. It’s been a long year for me, so I just sent a prayer up and hopefully he heard it. I just went out there.”

According to the Los Angeles Times, Jabari died after he was shot on Friday, October 31, in South Los Angeles. He was 34.

A fatal shooting occurred around 11 p.m. after the victim had appeared to walk up to a vehicle, the Los Angeles Police Department confirmed to Us Weekly.

The suspects inside the vehicle shot the victim and then fled the scene, police stated. A suspect description was not immediately available.

Firefighters pronounced the victim dead at the scene. Los Angeles Police Department could not confirm the name of the victim.

In a social media post, Daiyan shared several throwback photos with various family members and acknowledged how difficult the past year has been for him off the football field.

“2025 has brought me more pain than joy and this one has been by far the biggest hit… my family gone stand through the storm because thats who we are,” he wrote via Instagram on Sunday. “I’m gone make sure we straight big bro!!! I got nephew don’t even worry bout it. Love you ALLAH BLESSED me with one more night with my big brother didn’t know you’d be gone the next day …. 🖤💙 forever Uiie ⛹🏾‍♂️ Thank you all for the love and the condolences truly mean the world to me and the fam 🤞🏾 we fighter.”

Soon after sharing, the athlete received support from the NFL community, including the Los Angeles Chargers, who wrote, “we love you 💙.”

Baltimore Ravens player Alohi Gilman added, “Prayers, peace and love 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾.”

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Through the highs and lows, Daiyan has expressed gratitude for his coach for being a positive presence in his life.

When speaking with reporters, the Crenshaw High School alum praised Jim Harbaugh for his actions off the field.

“He’s probably been the first call I’ve gotten for every situation,” he said. “He’s been there, right there and just told me, keep my head down, keep grinding, keep working, and try to stay consistent.”