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Tempers flare as Tony Jefferson ejected for helmet-to-helmet hit on Tyquan Thornton (0:53)
Tyquan Thornton makes a nice catch for a Chiefs first down, but a big hit from Tony Jefferson sparks chaos between the two teams and results in Jefferson's ejection. (0:53)
Kris RhimDec 14, 2025, 04:20 PM ET
- Kris Rhim is a reporter for NFL Nation at ESPN. Kris covers the Los Angeles Chargers, including coach Jim Harbaugh's franchise-altering first season (https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/41068072/los-angeles-chargers-2024-preview-jim-harbaugh-culture). In Kris' free time, he lives his NBA dreams at men's leagues across Los Angeles.
KANSAS CITY, Mo -- Chargers safety Tony Jefferson was ejected after a helmet-to-helmet hit on Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyquan Thornton in the fourth quarter of Los Angeles' 16-13 victory Sunday and left the field in frustration, making an obscene gesture toward fans.
After the game, Jefferson apologized for the gesture. He said that he didn't have any bad intentions on the hit and thought it was legal but hadn't yet seen a replay.
"I'm classier than that. I was just caught up in the moment," Jefferson said. "Emotions get high. I won't sit here and act like I'm a perfect man. I messed up and I did that. I have kids at home and there's kids out there watching the game too, so I apologize."
The play was initially flagged for unnecessary roughness, and a brief skirmish followed before officials disqualified Jefferson. Thornton was put in concussion protocol after the hit.
"I saw a football play," coach Jim Harbaugh said. "That's what I saw."
Jefferson had been physical throughout the game, delivering multiple big hits, including a jarring shot on Chiefs receiver Rashee Rice that forced an incompletion on third down earlier in the game.
"Physicality is a huge part of the game," he said. "You have to be smart with it."
Jefferson, who was a healthy inactive for three games this year, has become one of the most important players in the Chargers' secondary in recent weeks.
Before this season, Jefferson had four interceptions over his first 10 seasons in the NFL. This season, Jefferson is tied for the team lead in interceptions with four while routinely delivering crushing hits to receivers who dare to catch passes over the middle of the field, as he did on Sunday.
"He's playing really good, really good football," Harbaugh said.
The Chargers already began Sunday's game without safety Elijah Molden, who had a hamstring injury. Rookie safety RJ Mickens also went down with a shoulder injury. Without Jefferson, the Chargers had to rely on veteran Marcus Williams, who was elevated from the practice squad, and Kendall Williamson, who typically only plays special teams.
