Veteran safety makes Chargers roster after brief retirement

Veteran safety Tony Jefferson made the Los Angeles Chargers 53-man roster after a preseason performance to remember against the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday. In the Chargers' 26-19 win, Jefferson had 14 tackles (11 solo), two interceptions, a forced fumble and a sack. 

"That was a sensational game," Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said.

Jefferson putting together that stat line didn't seem like a reality too long ago. Jefferson, now in his 12th year, retired in May 2023 and joined the Baltimore Ravens as a scouting intern. After a season with the Ravens, Jefferson got the itch to play again and signed with the Chargers in June. 

Jefferson was used all over the field against the Cowboys, which had been part of the plan all along. Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter mentioned in June that Jefferson can play multiple positions in the Chargers' scheme. 

Minter went so far as to call him a "pro's pro" and "very knowledgeable of some of the things the Chargers do defensively. 

"He's also been a guy you can move around and put in different spots. You can play him at safety, you can play him at dime, you can play him at nickel," Minter explained. "I think he still has some of those traits. It's certainly great to have him in here, and I think he really wants to play. It'll be interesting to see how it shakes out."

It's shaking out well for the 32-year-old vet thus far. He has a head coach who believes in him. Harbaugh is familiar with Jefferson after the safety spent time with his brother, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh, for four seasons as a player and one as a team intern.  

"I've always had great respect for him, admiration for him, and he played for my brother," Harbaugh said. "That's family."

Although the Chargers starting safeties are set with Derwin James and Alohi Gilman, Jefferson's awareness and knack for being around the football should lead to him playing a key role for the Bolts this season. 

"I still have more in the tank," Jefferson said. "And I still have more to prove."