Los Angeles Chargers defensive standout Casey Hayward has had an objectively sad week. Earlier this week, he had to attend the funeral of his younger brother, a tragedy that's clearly enough to justify his possible need for some time off.

However, according to Casey Hayward, he wants to be with his other family after dealing with that tragedy.

“I’m better when I’m out here, when I’m on the field, being around people I care for and people who care about me,” Hayward said, via the Los Angeles Times. “I wanted to be back here with my brothers.”

His teammates and coaches, had his back.

“Casey is one of the strongest people I know,” fellow cornerback Trevor Williams said. “Losing his mother [to cancer in 2016], losing his brother, coming back and playing with us and being able to focus … I’m not sure I could handle that same type of pressure.

“We’re all brothers. We’re all here for one another in good times and bad. We have his back. He knows that. He lost one brother, but he gained 53-plus.”

“This man came in on Friday night, he didn’t get to truly practice, and he comes out here and locks down an all-pro receiver?” free safety Tre Boston said of Hayward. “The preparation that Casey went through mentally to get ready for the game … it’s just a testament to how great he is. He’s the ultimate warrior.”

Sports are often just a game, but sometimes they are truly an escape for real life issues. For Casey Hayward, here is to hoping he found some peace on Sunday, even if it only lasted a few hours.