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NFL Fines Chargers’ Tony Jefferson Twice for Chiefs Hit and Obscene Gesture

The veteran safety avoids a suspension and remains available for Los Angeles’ next game.

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Tony Jefferson #23 of the Los Angeles Chargers gestures to the Kansas City Chiefs crowd after being ejected during the fourth quarter at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri.
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Dec 14, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Los Angeles Chargers safety Tony Jefferson (23) tackles Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyquan Thornton (80) with a helmet-to-helmet hit during the fourth quarter at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Jefferson was ejected for the play. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Overview

  • The NFL’s Office of Gameday Accountability levied two $7,111 fines on Jefferson — one for unnecessary roughness on a defenseless player and one for an obscene gesture — for a total of $14,222.
  • Jefferson was ejected in Week 15 after a helmet-to-helmet hit on Tyquan Thornton that officials ruled targeting, then flipped off fans as he left the field.
  • Kansas City ruled Thornton out for Sunday after a concussion, with the receiver spending the week in protocol and not practicing.
  • Jefferson apologized for the gesture postgame but later reposted Tom Pelissero’s update with a LeBron James gif that suggested he was unbothered by the fines.
  • The ejection has been questioned by some who say video shows Thornton lowering his head before contact, and the league chose financial penalties without a suspension.