Henley’s brother, Jabari, was shot and killed late Oct. 31 in Los Angeles. TMZ was first to report the news.
“As sad as it is, and as traumatizing as all this is, I got a job to do. For me, it’s coming out and having a job first and then being emotional after,” Henley said. Everything hit me pretty hard.”
Less than 48 after his brother’s death, Henley produced a team-high nine tackles, one sack and one pass deflection in the Los Angeles Chargers’ 27-20 win over the Tennessee Titans.
“They let it be known since I got the news, my brothers were there. Denzel (Perryman) was right there as I found out. I found out about 6 a.m. in the morning. Got a call from my mom. Denzel was right there. Shoutout to my coach NaVorro Bowman, also right there,” Henley told reporters after the team’s victory. “It was a long day for me and everybody showed up. Coach (Jim) Harbaugh showed up, Jesse Minter showed up and every single one of my teammates showed up. That’s why I was out there today and was able to do what I did. It was because I had a lot of support.
“I feel like I needed to do this for my family.”
Henley was understandably emotional in the game and during his postgame interview posted on the Chargers’ official website. This year has been trying for the Chargers starting linebacker. His father, Eugene, was charged in a 43-count criminal indictment in March.
“This has probably been the worst year of my life, to be quite honest with you,” Henley said. “I feel like I’m losing a lot of my family to different ways.”
Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.