Chargers News: LA Native Rookies Thrilled to Debut in Hometown

Tomorrow is the day, Charger fans. We will get our first (unofficial) look at the Bolts as they will take on their in-city rivals Los Angeles Rams, in what will be considered an 'away' game. 

Although most starters won't be suiting up, getting a first glimpse of what this Charger team could look like will be exciting. Many players on the field will fight for a spot on the team, and others, mainly rookies, will showcase their skills and why they deserve some significant playing time. 

It's notable for rookies to get their first crack at the NFL, and it is even more remarkable when you get drafted by a team in the same city you're from. That happens to be the case for LA natives and rookies, linebackers Daiyan Henley and Tuli Tuipulotu. 

The two spoke to the media earlier this week and discussed what living their dreams and playing in their hometown would mean. 

Tuli says he will approach it like any other game. 

"I'll just treat it like another game, just enjoy and have fun with my teammates," Tuipulotu said. "We're all playing for each other in these preseason games. We're all trying to prove to each other that we belong on the team. We just have to do our job and have fun."

"It's a blessing to be out here because when I need a break, I've got my family down the street," Tuipulotu later added. "Just drive down there, 20 minutes away and have some balance between football and the stuff outside of football."

^{(via Chargers.com)}

The other LA native and rookie, Henley grew up in Los Angeles and attended Crenshaw High School; he, too, is excited to play in the first of his family and his new stadium. 

"To have my first game be there, in general — I was there with the [Washington State] Cougs not too long ago for a bowl game, but I didn't play," Henley said. "To be there and be able to play my first game at SoFi, I mean, like I said, 1,000. Excitement is out the roof for me."

^{(via Chargers.com)}

Tuipulotu grew up in Hawthorne, California, which is only 10 minutes away from Sofi Stadium. He stayed in LA, attending the University of Southern California, and was named first-Team All-Pac-12 twice. 

Henley didn't have the luxury of staying in his hometown post-high school. He attended Nevada University from 2017-2021 and was drafted out of Washington State in this year's draft with the 65th overall pick in the third round. 

The two are now back home and will look to make their mark right away, and it will all start on Saturday. Good look to the two.