‘I’m a little embarrassed about that’ — Chargers star reveals he cried for an understandable reason during dominant performance vs. Raiders

It was a tough game for him, but he still performed for LA.

Adam Holt — NFL News Writer
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Sep 15, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) is tackled by Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Cam Hart (20), Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Daiyan Henley (0) and Los Angeles Chargers safety Alohi Gilman (32) during the second quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Sometimes, linebackers around the NFL fly under the radar. That has been the case over the past year for Los Angeles Chargers LB Daiyan Henley. The defender plays with a ton of energy and has emerged as a leader in every capacity for Jim Harbaugh’s squad.

Against the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday Night Football, the Bolts defense played an incredibly complete game from nearly start to finish. Henley was an impactful reason for that, and he wasn’t even feeling his best.

Daiyan Henley was sick for Monday Night Football win

According to the linebacker himself, Henley was sick on Monday but played through it. He had a fever when he woke up on Monday and felt chills throughout the team’s game against the rival Raiders. Alas, he did not let these factors bring down his play. Instead, Henley played one of his best games as a pro so far.

“Coach Minter caught me crying, so I’m a little embarrassed about that.” — Daiyan Henley

After the game, Henley seemed to reveal it is the flu he’s dealing with currently – based on the short caption of his post on Twitter/X. Athletes refer to a “flu game” sometimes just to characterize a sickness when the play, but it could make sense that’s what he’s actually got as of now.

The Chargers linebacker and playmaker on defense dominated alongside safety Derwin James. Both came up clutch on multiple occasions to help the Los Angeles defense prevent Las Vegas from scoring a single touchdown in the game.

Henley finished the victory with 10 tackles, a sack, an interception, two tackles for loss and two passes defensed. Now, we know he wasn’t nearly at full strength, either. Incredibly impressive. Henley was placed on the injury report on Monday morning and listed as questionable. In game where LA wasn’t sure he’d suit up, he elevated his team in a huge way.

The Chargers will look to improve to 3-0 this weekend and currently hold the AFC West division lead in their grasps for the time being.

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