Daiyan Henley Bio
Daiyan Henley, born on November 18, 1999, is an American professional football linebacker for the Los Angeles Chargers of the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing approximately 225 pounds, Henley is recognized for his athleticism and game intelligence at the linebacker position. He played college football for the Nevada Wolf Pack and Washington State Cougars before entering the professional ranks.
Since being selected in the 2023 NFL Draft, Henley has quickly established himself as a key contributor to the Chargers defense. His combination of speed, coverage ability, and tackling instincts has made him a versatile piece of the Los Angeles defensive scheme.
Early Life and Background
Daiyan Henley was born on November 18, 1999, in Los Angeles, California. He grew up in the city and is the son of Eugene Henley Jr., who has been identified as a figure associated with the Rolling 60s Neighborhood Crips. Henley’s upbringing in Los Angeles shaped his early exposure to the sport, where football served as both a passion and a path forward.
Henley attended Crenshaw High School in Los Angeles, where he began developing the athletic foundation that would later define his career. The competitive environment of high school football in Southern California allowed him to refine his skills and attract attention from college recruiters.
FAMILY NOTE: Daiyan Henley is the cousin of former NFL Los Angeles Rams player Darryl Henley, creating a family connection to professional football that preceded his own entry into the league.
Path to American Football
Henley’s football journey continued at Crenshaw High School, where his performances earned him opportunities at the collegiate level. He committed to the University of Nevada, beginning his college career with the Nevada Wolf Pack. During his first two seasons at Nevada, Henley played wide receiver, catching 17 passes for 232 yards and three touchdowns before transitioning to defense ahead of his junior year.
A season-ending injury during his junior campaign led Henley to use a medical redshirt, allowing him an extra year of eligibility. As a redshirt junior, he recorded 49 tackles, demonstrating his natural fit at the linebacker position. In 2021, he elevated his play with 103 tackles, three tackles for loss, and four interceptions, earning second-team All-Mountain West Conference honors.
Following the 2021 season, Henley entered the NCAA transfer portal and chose to finish his college career at Washington State over offers from USC, Kansas State, and Washington. His transfer marked a significant step toward professional football and showcased his value as a defensive prospect.
Daiyan Henley Career
Early Career (2018–2021)
Daiyan Henley’s early college career at the University of Nevada saw him contribute on both offense and defense. After two seasons as a wide receiver, the Nevada coaching staff moved him to defense before his junior year, recognizing his instincts and physical tools. The position change proved pivotal in shaping his professional trajectory.
As a redshirt junior, Henley made 49 tackles, and in his senior season at Nevada, he produced 103 tackles with three tackles for loss and four interceptions. His 2021 performance earned him second-team All-Mountain West Conference recognition, establishing him as one of the conference’s premier linebackers and a legitimate NFL prospect.
Washington State Breakthrough (2022)
Henley transferred to Washington State for his final season of NCAA eligibility, selecting the Cougars over several Power Five programs including USC, Kansas State, and Washington. His decision to join Washington State allowed him to showcase his abilities in the Pac-12 Conference against top-tier competition.
During the 2022 season, Henley delivered a strong campaign that earned him first-team All-Pac-12 honors. His performance at Washington State solidified his draft stock and positioned him as a third-round talent in the upcoming NFL Draft.
Los Angeles Chargers Era (2023–Present)
Daiyan Henley was selected by the Los Angeles Chargers in the third round, 85th overall, of the 2023 NFL Draft. Joining his hometown team, Henley quickly adapted to the professional level and appeared in 15 games during his rookie season, recording 16 total tackles with nine solo stops.
In 2024, Henley took a significant step forward by starting all 17 games for the Chargers despite battling a torn labrum during the season. He underwent offseason surgery to address the injury, demonstrating his toughness and commitment to the team. His second-season production marked him as an emerging core piece of the Los Angeles defense.
Notable Events and Milestones
Henley’s selection by his hometown Los Angeles Chargers in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft stands as a signature milestone in his young career. Starting all 17 games in his second professional season while managing a torn labrum further underscores his durability and dedication to the craft.
Daiyan Henley Career Wins
Professional Highlights
Across his first two NFL seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers, Daiyan Henley has built a foundation of consistent production. His rookie year included 15 games played with 16 total tackles, and his sophomore campaign featured 17 starts despite a significant shoulder injury.
College Achievements
At Nevada, Henley earned second-team All-Mountain West Conference honors in 2021 after recording 103 tackles and four interceptions. Following his transfer, he captured first-team All-Pac-12 recognition in 2022 at Washington State, capping his college career with one of the conference’s highest individual honors.
Daiyan Henley Family
Family Background and Football Lineage
Daiyan Henley is the son of Eugene Henley Jr., who has been identified as a figure associated with the Rolling 60s Neighborhood Crips. His father played a formative role in his upbringing in Los Angeles.
Personal Life
Henley maintains close ties to his Los Angeles roots, having attended Crenshaw High School before pursuing his football career. He is the cousin of former NFL Los Angeles Rams player Darryl Henley, a notable family connection that links him to a lineage of professional football.
2025 Season Performance
Looking ahead to the 2025 NFL season, Daiyan Henley enters his third professional year as an established starter for the Los Angeles Chargers. Following offseason surgery to repair a torn labrum suffered during the 2024 campaign, Henley is expected to return at full strength and reclaim his role as a key linebacker in the Chargers defense.
His experience of starting all 17 games in 2024 despite injury provides a strong foundation for continued growth. The Chargers defensive scheme is expected to continue leveraging his versatility in coverage and run support, areas where he demonstrated promise during his first two seasons.
With his combination of athleticism, football intelligence, and proven durability, Henley is positioned to expand his role and contribute meaningfully to the Chargers pursuit of postseason success in 2025.