Daiyan Henley (born November 18, 1999) is an American professional football linebacker for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Nevada Wolf Pack and Washington State Cougars.
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Early life
Henley was born on November 18, 1999, in Los Angeles, California. He is the son of Eugene (Big U) Henley Jr, alleged leader of the Rolling 60's Neighborhood crips;
Henley later attended Crenshaw High School.
He is the cousin of former NFL Los Angeles Rams player Darryl Henley.
College career
Henley began his college career at Nevada, where he played wide receiver for his first two seasons. Henley caught 17 passes for 232 yards and three touchdowns before being moved to defense before the start of his junior season. He suffered a season-ending injury and used a medical redshirt on the year. Henley made 49 tackles as a redshirt junior. In 2021, he made 103 tackles with three tackles for loss and four interceptions and was named second team All-Mountain West Conference. Following the end of the season, Henley entered the NCAA transfer portal.
Henley ultimately transferred to the Washington State Cougars for his final season of NCAA eligibility over offers from USC, Kansas State, and Washington.
Professional career
Henley was selected by the Los Angeles Chargers in the third round, 85th overall, of the 2023 NFL draft. As a rookie, he appeared in 15 games and made 16 total tackles (nine solo).
Henley started all 17 games for Los Angeles during the 2024 season, despite suffering a torn labrum partway through the season; he underwent offseason surgery to address to the injury.