COSTA MESA, California. — Diane Henley grew up with a famous father. The spotlight is now on him after he was selected in the third round of the NFL Draft by his hometown Los Angeles Chargers.
Henley, who played linebacker at Washington State, was selected 85th overall on Friday night.
Recording executive Eugene “Big U” Henley has worked with many top West Coast rappers including Snoop Dogg, Kurupt and the late Nipsey Hussle. The elder Henley also helped produce and was featured in the 2021 FX documentary series Hip Hop Uncovered.
“Perhaps I am now one of the most famous people he knows. It’s just crazy to just be on the other side of that aspect,” Diane Henley said at the command complex on Saturday.
Eugene now runs Developing Options, a non-profit organization that helps at-risk youth in Los Angeles. Diane’s mother, Stacey, also works for the foundation.
Henley said his parents deserve a lot of credit for his success.
When it comes to docu-series featuring his father, Henley said he already knew most of the stories told, but there were still a couple that were new to him.
In addition to his association with music, Big U is a former gang leader. He was arrested for drugs and served 12 years of a 23-year sentence.
“This guy has done a lot of things in the past and is teasing me about getting C’s in his class. That’s the kind of father I had,” said Henley. “When I watch this documentary, I’m already deep in college and I’m like, ‘Hey dude. You were wild then. They scold me here because I have a three or I left garbage somewhere. ” What, you can’t do that.”
Henley’s career has been an interesting journey. He grew up in South Central Los Angeles and played in Crenshaw, one of the top high school programs in the city. He was primarily a quarterback, but ended up playing five different positions, including kicker.
Henley began his college career in Nevada in 2017 and played wide receiver for his first two seasons. He moved to safety in 2019 but only played four games before suffering a season-ending injury and redshirting. After two years in supporting roles, he moved to the midfield position in 2021 and led the team with 103 tackles.
Henley moved to Washington State last season and was named to the All-Pac 12 First Team. He was second in the conference with 106 tackles and his 12 stoppages for a loss tied for fifth.
He has also played in all four cover and return units on special teams with the Cougars and is expected to contribute immediately in these areas for the Chargers.
While Henley and his parents are happy to have been picked by the hometown team, he joked that being nearby has its downsides.
“As excited as I am, I need to figure out how to keep my mom from my address, so if you guys have any ideas on how to hide the address from your mother, I need those tips,” he said. He. laughing
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