Connect with us

Sports

Unbreakable: How MMA training forged a bond between Derwin James Jr. and Daiyan Henley

Published

on

Unbreakable: How MMA training forged a bond between Derwin James Jr. and Daiyan Henley

Plays go awry. Opponents score touchdowns. The Chargers even can lose a close game, but through every on-field adversity, Derwin James Jr. calmly looks at Daiyan Henley and reminds the second-year linebacker that they’ve conquered more difficult things together.

They think about the mixed martial arts workouts at a West Hollywood gym where they grappled, wrestled and tackled until their lungs burned and muscles ached.

Where they, as the name of the gym suggests, became “unbreakable.”

Where they plotted Henley’s breakout year that’s beginning to take shape.

“Everything he wants is right in front of him,” said James, the team’s star safety. “He can be, man, one of the best linebackers in this league.”

Advertisement

After a forgettable rookie season in which the third-round pick totaled just 10 tackles, Henley has grown into a breakout star of the Chargers’ resurgent defense. The former Crenshaw High standout leads the NFL’s No. 1-ranked scoring defense with 99 tackles, including five consecutive games with double-digit stops, the longest streak by a Charger since the turn of the century. With 10 or more tackles against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, Henley would tie the longest streak since 2000 for any player in his first two NFL seasons.

Henley is a stout force against the run game. He can drop back in pass coverage and has five pass breakups. He is a constant presence on special teams.

Chargers safety Derwin James Jr., left, and linebacker Daiyan Henley (0) tackle Ravens running back Derrick Henry during a game earlier this season.

(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Advertisement

“He’s that new-age linebacker that can really do it all,” defensive coordinator Jesse Minter said.

Jim Harbaugh noticed Henley’s unique blend of size, strength and speed almost immediately when the new coach and his staff took over in the offseason. He was in awe that the 6-foot-1, 225-pound linebacker ran like a safety.

The comparison is not far from reality. After beginning at Nevada as a wide receiver, Henley transitioned to safety for the Wolf Pack. He grew into a first-team All-Pac-12 linebacker at Washington State as a graduate transfer before the Chargers selected him 85th in the 2023 draft.

Henley earned raves during his rookie preseason that featured 14 tackles and one interception in three games, but he was soon forgotten in former coach Brandon Staley’s defense. He played just 54 defensive snaps as a rookie.

As he stood on the sideline, doubt started creeping in. Henley wondered if he belonged at this level. He questioned what he was lacking and what he wasn’t doing well enough.

Advertisement

“I just wanted more, wanted to be better, wanted to prove myself,” Henley said. “So getting to the offseason, I was dedicated to just improving myself.”

Henley was referred to a bright pink gym in West Hollywood by his uncle. When he found out that James also trained at Unbreakable, which was founded by Fox Sports NFL insider Jay Glazer, they started syncing their workout schedules.

They tangled in grueling MMA workouts. Henley, 10 pounds heavier and an inch shorter, claims he never lost any head-to-head bouts. James contends that in one session, he pushed Henley all the way off the mat before the linebacker unfairly tried to sling him out of the ring.

“First of all, you shouldn’t be pushing anybody out, because that’s not the point of the session,” an incredulous Henley said when presented with James’ memories of their training. “See, he’s exposing himself.”

First, the pair went through two assigned rounds that Henley dominated, he said. James then proposed a third round in which the All-Pro safety shoved Henley, who responded by applying the training technique of using an opponent’s weight against him. Both acknowledge that James, who started training at the gym earlier, had the upper hand in stamina.

Advertisement

“Once he started to get it, he was tougher,” said James, who refers to Henley as his “little bro.” “He’s a beast.”

The training has translated to the field, where the rules of leverage, getting low and body positioning still apply to tackling, James said. Since missing four tackles against Arizona, when he was playing while wearing a restrictive shoulder and elbow sling after injuring his elbow against Kansas City in Week 4, Henley has missed just four in the last five games while collecting 61 tackles.

When he was tangling with James on the mat, Henley never considered how much of an influence the training would have on the field.

“It makes me understand why DJ is elite at tackling,” Henley said.

This season James became the fastest defensive back since 2000 to reach 500 career tackles. A team captain for the fourth consecutive season, James has influenced Henley beyond their shared workouts. They bonded further over an offseason trip to Tokyo, where they gorged on sushi and wagyu beef. They dreamed what they wanted to accomplish this season under a new coaching staff.

Advertisement

Henley said he never got clarity from the previous coaches about his role. It doesn’t matter. Earning the support and belief from his veteran teammates is more important.

“I just want to prove to them that I’m legit,” Henley said.

The smile on James’ face when asked about Henley’s growth shows the Chargers’ young star has achieved what he hoped.

Advertisement

Sports

Dolphins’ Tua Tagovailoa open to fresh start elsewhere after disappointing season: ‘That would be dope’

Published

on

Dolphins’ Tua Tagovailoa open to fresh start elsewhere after disappointing season: ‘That would be dope’

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Tua Tagovailoa appears to be ready to move on from the Miami Dolphins – a feeling that seems mutual between the two sides. 

Tagovailoa was benched for the final three games of the season due to poor performance. A day after the Dolphins’ season ended with a 38-10 loss to division rival New England, the sixth-year signal-caller appeared open to the idea of a “fresh start.” 

Mike McDaniel speaks with Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) in the fourth quarter of a game against the Buffalo Bills at Hard Rock Stadium on Sept. 25, 2022, in Miami Gardens, Florida.  (Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

“That would be dope. I would be good with it,” Tagovailoa said Monday, according to The Palm Beach Post, when asked specifically if he was “hoping for a fresh start.” 

Advertisement

When asked by another reporter if he understood “fresh start” as playing “elsewhere,” Tagovailoa reportedly confirmed it.

The remarks came the same day that head coach Mike McDaniel confirmed that the team would be approaching the 2025-2026 season with a competitive mindset for the position. 

“In 2026, I think there will be competition for our starting quarterback. What that is and how that looks, there’s a lot that remains to be seen. It’s the most important position on the football field, and you have to make sure you do everything possible to get the best person out there on the field.”

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa runs off the field during the first half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on Jan. 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

Advertisement

DOLPHINS TURNING TO HALL OF FAME QUARTERBACK TO HELP FIND NEXT GENERAL MANAGER: REPORT

“Who that is – whether they’re in-house or somewhere else, that’s something that we’ll be extremely diligent on,” he continued. “But I know there will be competition for those reins. That much I do know.”

Tagovailoa threw for 2,660 yards with 20 touchdowns this season, but he struggled with accuracy and mobility, throwing a career-high of 15 interceptions. His poor performance comes just one season after signing a four-year, $212.4 million contract extension in July 2024.

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa speaks during a press conference after an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025, in Miami Gardens, Florida. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Advertisement

The Dolphins face a serious decision regarding Tagovailoa, as releasing him next year would result in a $99 million dead cap charge. If the move is designated as a post-June 1 release, those charges would be split over two years, with $67.4 million allocated to the 2026 cap and $31.8 million in 2027.

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Sports

Snoop Dogg hilariously keeps pace with furious Steve Kerr’s ejection-producing rant

Published

on

Snoop Dogg hilariously keeps pace with furious Steve Kerr’s ejection-producing rant

In a warm-up for his role in the upcoming Winter Olympics, Snoop Dogg was given a microphone during the second half of the NBA game between the Golden State Warriors and the Clippers on Monday night at the Intuit Dome.

Can’t wait for those Olympics! Snoop hilariously sizzled when Warriors coach Steve Kerr stormed the court in the fourth quarter of the Clippers’ 103-102 victory.

“The Arizona Wildcat done came out of him. Look at him!” Snoop said, alluding to Kerr’s college team. “Aw, Rawwwr, rawwwr, rawwwr!”

Kerr was hit with two technical fouls in less than a minute. He nearly got one with 8:44 to play when Warriors guard Stephen Curry made a shot that appeared to be a continuation after a foul, but the officials nullified the basket.

Less than a minute later, Kerr found a new level of vehemence after the Clippers’ John Collins wasn’t called for goaltending on a shot by Gary Payton II. The four-time NBA championship coach flew into a rage, aggressively gesturing at officials and screaming.

Advertisement

Kerr picked up the two technicals — his first in nearly four seasons — and was held back by Payton and assistant coaches before exiting to the locker room.

Snoop Dogg, who had joined regular Peacock/NBC announcers Reggie Miller and Terry Gannon for the second half, rose to the occasion, his commentary keeping pace with Kerr’s antics.

“Oh, Steve gonna get thrown out! Get him out of there. Get him out of there! Back him up!” Snoop barked.

All Miller and Gannon could do was laugh as Snoop continued, referencing the location of the Intuit Dome and Kerr’s Southern California ties: “Steve back in Inglewood right now. Inglewooood!!! Get him, Steve! You in Inglewood, Steve!”

Snoop will join NBC Olympics host Mike Tirico in Italy in February, riffing on stories that unfold at the Winter Games the way he did at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics. The NBA game was an indication he’ll again be up to the task.

Advertisement

“We are excited to have Snoop bring his unique energy and passion to our NBA coverage,” NBC Sports executive producer Sam Flood said in a statement. “It will be a once in a lifetime opportunity to watch Snoop, Reggie and Terry talk hoops with a side order of fun.”

Snoop said in the release that his debut as an NBA game broadcaster “is a dream come true for me. I can’t wait to bring a fresh vibe to the analysis.”

For the record, official Brian Forte acknowledged after the game that goaltending should have been called against Collins. Curry told reporters that he appreciated his coach’s passion.

“Two crazy calls in a row that you feel like can dictate the momentum of the game, it doesn’t mean a win or a loss, it just dictates the momentum,” Curry said. “I love that fired up Steve, for sure. Somebody had to do it.”

Visiting Los Angeles has been emotional for Kerr since the Pacific Palisades wildfire a year ago destroyed his childhood home, which his family bought in 1969. His mother, 90-year-old Ann Kerr, still lived in the house, located near Rivas Canyon, and was evacuated safely.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Sports

Russell Wilson not thinking about retirement, plans to play in 2026: ‘I know what I’m capable of’

Published

on

Russell Wilson not thinking about retirement, plans to play in 2026: ‘I know what I’m capable of’

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Russell Wilson went from starting quarterback of the New York Giants to third string just a few weeks into the 2025 season, leaving many to question if the 10-time Pro Bowler decides to play next season.

Wilson, 37, doesn’t sound like he’s mulling over his decision. He wants to play in 2026.

“I’m not blinking,” Wilson said, per SNY. “I know [what] I’m capable of. I think I showed that in Dallas, and I want to be able to do that again, you know, and just be ready to rock and roll, and be as healthy as possible and be ready to play ball.”

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Advertisement

New York Giants’ Russell Wilson attempts to escape a sack by Dallas Cowboys defensive end James Houston (53) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas.  (Julio Cortez/AP Photo)

Wilson signed a one-year, veteran minimum deal with the Giants this past offseason worth $10.5 million, which had tons of incentives if he were to play the entire season.

That same offseason, the Giants traded back into the first round to select Jaxson Dart out of Ole Miss, and he proved during training camp to have NFL-ready chops under center.

GIANTS STICK WITH GM JOE SCHOEN DESPITE ANOTHER LOSING SEASON, CITING NEED FOR ‘CONTINUITY AND STABILITY’

Still, then-head coach Brian Daboll was steadfast in his decision to start Wilson despite Dart’s success. But, after just three games, where the Giants went 0-3, a change was made.

Advertisement

Daboll went with Dart in Week 4 against the Los Angeles Chargers at home, and the rookie defeated Justin Herbert and company to not only get his first career win, but cement himself as the team’s starter moving forward.

Even then, Wilson remained positive, saying in interviews after practice that he understands the direction of the team and wanted to help Dart develop and grow in his new role.

New York Giants’ Russell Wilson, left, and Jaxson Dart, right, talk on the bench in the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas.  (Julio Cortez/AP Photo)

In his three starts for the Giants, Wilson threw for 831 yards with three touchdowns to three interceptions, though all of those touchdowns came in a Week 2 overtime heartbreaker for New York. Over half of Wilson’s passing yards also came in that game, throwing for 450 in the 40-37 loss.

Wilson also said that he tore his hamstring during that game against the Cowboys.

Advertisement

“I played that game, you know, I tore my hamstring on Friday in practice – the last play of practice. And I had a Grade 2 (tear). I couldn’t tell anybody. I had to go and play on it just because I knew the circumstance, I had to play on it, no matter what,” Wilson explained.

“I actually ended up going to the Dallas Mavericks’ facility, training. And you know, just kept it quiet, just trying to get treatment on it and just knowing that I probably couldn’t run from the goal line to the 10-yard line if I wanted to, but I feel like… I got to play this game.”

New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson (3) scans the field at the line against the New York Jets during the first half at MetLife Stadium. (Rich Barnes/Imagn Images)

It will be interesting to see if Wilson will land anywhere, and better yet, if a team is willing to try him out as a starter again.

Advertisement

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending