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https://www.theplayerstribune.com/posts/daiyan-henley-nfl-football-los-angeles-chargers
On the dawn of a new season one of our Chargers’ took to The Players’ Tribune, a publication site purely for professional sports players set up by Derek Jeter, to tell the story of his journey to the NFL. It was a compelling read with a good mix of joyful memories and insightful peaks into the moments that make up The Ranger. I knew certain things like the fact he played receiver before finding a home as a linebacker (thanks to Dane Brugler’s exhaustive work found in The Beast) but I didn’t know many other parts such as the fact he really struggled to see the field when he got to Nevada, his obsession with The Power Rangers or that his dad is a known name in the music business in is home town of Los Angeles. Henley spoke of the close relationship “Big U” had with the late great, Nipsey Hussle, which he also talked about a few weeks ago on ‘The Insiders”.
“I still remember Nipsey recording some of his first songs in our basement.”
Now I don’t know exactly how much of this was written by Henley himself but if the majority was by his own hand, I have to say as a writer, I would be very impressed. I thought his writing was honest yet eloquent and he really managed to maintain his narrative at a clean pace which isn’t easy to do. Maybe we should see if he wants to have a regular feature on Stormcloud. Even if this wasn’t all his own work, I think the stories he shared go far enough to illustrate his life in a way fans can relate to.
I’m always keen to share anything that peels back the curtain to reveal who players actually are. Many players get labels unfairly stamped all over them by media talking heads who think they know everything about a person from the snapshots they care enough to actually pay attention to. I’d personally love to read more pieces like this from other Bolts.
As far as forming the Megazord ……. let’s just say we’re working on that. Stay tuned.
Daiyan henley
I hope the timing of this article, as well as his message above, speak to him believing in himself once again after a lack of playing time in his rookie year may have dented the confidence he did so well to rebuild. If Harbaugh and Minter can undo the mistakes of the past to get The Ranger playing as fast and hard as he did during his senior year as a Cougar, the Bolt fans will be singing his name proudly for years to come.
What a story by Henley himself. I wasn’t high on him drafted that high as a 3rd rounder then later watched him demonstrated unique physical prowess and skills to be effective sideline to sideline backer, of which I never understood why he didn’t play much last year.
He fits very well in Minter’s defense as a complete LB along Junior Colson where LB’s really tie the knots in such defense. Henley’s coverage skills will he highlighted in the zone heavy coverage, a total defense vs package defense Staley ran.
This is the unit I’m most excited to watch it closely and watch it grow as the season progresses. Perryman is solid especially against the run but I think he will have his best coverage stats in Minter’s zone coverage scheme and not be a liability when he has to drop back to cover. But Henley and Colson could very special on the field together.
What a great story!! I’m really hoping to see him take off in Minter’s defense.
I was a huge Power Rangers kid growing up… enough so that when I was around 25 and walking through Target, I saw a pair of adult Red Power Ranger boxers and grabbed a pair for shits and gigs. It’s good to know Henley and I can still be friends without having a casting problem. Stoked you posted this Ryan, thank you. It’s great to highlight when players step out and put their voice out there. Henley seems to have the mental makeup of a star to me. You know how easy it would be for that man to have a killer career in music? He went his own path – with support and love from his family – and is forging is own path. That shit gets me PUMPED. He and Denzel are comedic GOLD in the locker room too. The chemistry around this team is really blooming in a beautiful way, and I’m here for it!
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