:Tony Jefferson
{{Short description|American football player (born 1992)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2024}}
{{Infobox NFL biography
| name = Tony Jefferson
| image = Tony Jefferson.jpg
| alt =
| caption = Jefferson with the Arizona Cardinals in 2015
| current_team = Los Angeles Chargers
| number = 23
| position = Safety
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1992|1|27}}
| birth_place = San Diego, California, U.S.
| high_school = Eastlake {{avoid wrap|(Chula Vista, California)}}
| height_ft = 5
| height_in = 11
| weight_lbs = 212
| college = Oklahoma (2010–2012)
| undraftedyear = 2013
| pastteams = * Arizona Cardinals ({{NFL Year|2013}}–{{NFL Year|2016}})
- Baltimore Ravens ({{NFL Year|2017}}–{{NFL Year|2019}})
- San Francisco 49ers ({{NFL Year|2021}})
- Baltimore Ravens ({{NFL Year|2021}})
- New York Giants ({{NFL Year|2022}})
- Los Angeles Chargers ({{NFL Year|2024}}–present)
| status = Active
| pastexecutive = * Baltimore Ravens ({{NFL Year|2023}})
Scouting intern
| highlights = * Freshman All-American (2010)
| statseason = 2024
| statweek =
| statlabel1 = Total tackles
| statvalue1 = 519
| statlabel2 = Sacks
| statvalue2 = 9.5
| statlabel3 = Forced fumbles
| statvalue3 = 8
| statlabel4 = Fumble recoveries
| statvalue4 = 4
| statlabel5 = Pass deflections
| statvalue5 = 24
| statlabel6 = Interceptions
| statvalue6 = 4
| statlabel7 = Defensive touchdowns
| statvalue7 = 1
| pfr = JeffTo00
}}
Tony Lemar Jefferson Jr.{{cite web | title=Profile | work=rostermon.com | url=http://www.rostermon.com/player/2780/ | access-date=March 2, 2017 | archive-date=September 5, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170905054627/http://www.rostermon.com/player/2780/ | url-status=dead }} (born January 27, 1992) is an American professional football safety for the Los Angeles Chargers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Oklahoma Sooners and signed with the Arizona Cardinals as an undrafted free agent in 2013. He has previously played in the NFL for the Cardinals, Baltimore Ravens, San Francisco 49ers, and New York Giants.
Early life
Jefferson attended Eastlake High School in Chula Vista, California,{{Cite web |last=Togerson • • |first=Derek |date=June 14, 2024 |orig-date=June 14, 2024 |title=Chula Vista native Tony Jefferson ends NFL retirement, signs with Chargers |url=https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/sports/chula-vista-jefferson-ends-retirement-nfl-chargers/3542054/ |url-status=live |access-date=January 2, 2025 |website=NBC 7 San Diego |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Ashcraft |first=Anna |date=July 13, 2024 |title=Tony Jefferson holds youth football camp at Chula Vista high school |url=https://fox5sandiego.com/news/local-news/tony-jefferson-holds-youth-football-camp-at-chula-vista-high-school/ |url-status=live}} where he made 88 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, four sacks, two fumbles caused, two fumbles recovered, and lead Eastlake to a San Diego Division 1 CIF championship during his senior year. He earned a 2009 USA Today All-American selection. Regarded as a four-star recruit by Rivals.com, Jefferson was listed as the No. 4 cornerback prospect in the class of 2010.{{Cite web |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recruiting/rankings/rank-2404 |title=Safeties 2010 |work=Rivals.com |date=January 21, 2010 }} He played in the 2010 U.S. Army All-American Bowl. He is of Mexican descent through his mother.{{Cite web|url=https://vergemagazine.co.uk/nfl-to-celebrate-the-leagues-international-diversity-with-helmet-initiative-in-weeks-4-and-5/|title=NFL to Celebrate the League's International Diversity with Helmet Initiative in Weeks 4 and 5 - Alt Sports|first=Taye|last=Rowland-Dixon|date=September 29, 2022}}
College career
At the University of Oklahoma, Jefferson was a 2010 Freshman All-American by College Football News,{{Cite news |url=http://cfn.scout.com/2/1031167.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101218015509/http://cfn.scout.com/2/1031167.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 18, 2010 |title=2010 CFN All-Freshman Defensive Team |first=Richard |last=Cirminiello |work=College Football News |date=December 14, 2010 }} The Sporting News,{{Cite news |url=http://www.sportingnews.com/ncaa-football/feed/2010-12/sn-football-awards/story/sn-college-football-freshman-of-the-year-south-carolina-rb-marcus-lattimore |title=SN college football Freshman of the Year: South Carolina RB Marcus Lattimore |work=Sporting News |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101217153744/http://www.sportingnews.com/ncaa-football/feed/2010-12/sn-football-awards/story/sn-college-football-freshman-of-the-year-south-carolina-rb-marcus-lattimore |archive-date=December 17, 2010 }} and Big 12 Conference co-Defensive Freshman of the Year (along with OSU Cowboys linebacker Shaun Lewis).{{Cite web |url=http://www.big12sports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=10410&ATCLID=205038561 |title=All-Big 12 Football Awards Announced |publisher=Big 12 Conference |date=November 30, 2010 }}
=College statistics=
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" | |||||||||||
| colspan="14" style="{{CollegePrimaryStyle|Oklahoma Sooners|color=white}};"| Oklahoma Sooners | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| rowspan="2"| Season
! rowspan="2"| Class ! rowspan="2"| Pos ! rowspan="2"| GP ! colspan="5"| Tackles ! colspan="5"| Interceptions | |||||||||||
| Solo | Ast | Cmb | TfL | Sck | Int | Yds | Avg | TD | PD | ||
| 2010 | FR | SS
| 14 || 44 || 21 || 65 || 7.0 || 2.0 || 2 || 22 || 11.0 || 1 || 0 | |||||||||
| 2011 | SO | SS
| 13 || 52 || 22 || 74 || 7.5 || 4.5 || 4 || 6 || 1.5 || 0 || 0 | |||||||||
| 2012 | JR | SS
| 13 || 85 || 34 || 119 || 3.5 || 0.5 || 2 || 14 || 7.0 || 0 || 0 | |||||||||
| colspan="3"| Career | 40 | 181 | 77 | 258 | 18.0 | 7.0 | 8 | 42 | 6.0 | 1 | 0 |
Professional career
=Pre-draft=
On January 6, 2013, it was announced that Jefferson would forgo his senior season and enter the 2013 NFL Draft.{{cite web| title=Oklahoma's Kenny Stills and Tony Jefferson Reportedly Will Declare for NFL Draft| url=https://www.bleacherreport.com/1472640-oklahomas-kenny-stills-and-tony-jefferson-reportedly-will-declare-for-nfl-draft.html| access-date=April 8, 2018| website=bleacherreport.com| author=Clarke, Patrick| date=January 6, 2013}} Prior to the NFL Combine, Jefferson was ranked the fifth best safety prospect in the draft by ESPN.{{cite web| title=NFL Draft: Former Oklahoma safety Tony Jefferson goes undrafted| url=http://newsok.com/article/3804159| access-date=April 8, 2018| website=newsok.com| author=Kersey, Jason| date=April 27, 2013}} He was one of 21 safeties to attend the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana. At the combine, he completed the majority of drills before sustaining a hamstring injury that significantly affected his ability to run. His 40-yard dash was the second slowest time among all 18 safeties that participated.{{cite web| title=2013 NFL combine results: Safety 40-yard dash times and more| url=https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-mock-draft/2013/2/26/4033432/nfl-combine-results-2013safety-40-yard-dash-bench| access-date=April 8, 2018| website=sbnation.com| author=Briggs, Jeff| date=February 26, 2013}} On March 18, 2013, Jefferson attended Oklahoma's pro day, but only performed the short shuttle and three-cone drill due to his hamstring injury. His character came into question after WalterFootball.com released a scouting report stating it received information from reliable sources that he had practice habits and an attitude, but was quickly dismissed after teammates and coaching staff at Oklahoma refuted the claims.{{cite web| title=Draft Nuggets 2013: Entry #9| url=http://www.theticket.com/2013/03/01/3113-nfl-combine-review-stock-up-stock-down/| access-date=April 8, 2018| website=theticket.com| author=Bowers, Jeff| date=March 1, 2013}}{{cite web| title=Tony Jefferson Scouting Report: NFL Outlook for the Oklahoma Safety| url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1592325-tony-jefferson-scouting-report-nfl-outlook-for-the-oklahoma-safety| access-date=April 8, 2018| website=bleacherreport.com| author=Alfieri, Ryan| date=April 7, 2013}} The website later retracted the claims.{{cite web| title=2013 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Tony Jefferson| url=http://walterfootball.com/scoutingreport2013tjefferson.php| access-date=April 8, 2018| website=walterfootball.com}} He was projected to be drafted as early as the second or third round or as late as the fifth round by NFL Draft experts and scouts.{{cite web| title=Tony Jefferson NFL Draft: Why Jefferson Went Un-Picked| url=https://www.stormininnorman.com/2013/05/08/tony-jefferson-nfl-draft-2013-2/| access-date=April 8, 2018| website=stormininnorman.com| author=Lealos, Shawn| date=May 8, 2013}}{{cite web| title=2013 NFL Draft: Tony Jefferson Prospect Profile| url=https://withthefirstpick.com/2013/03/07/2013-nfl-draft-tony-jefferson-prospect-profile/| access-date=April 8, 2018| website=withthefirstpick.com| author=Smith, Peter| date=March 7, 2013}} Jefferson was ranked the eighth best safety in the draft by DraftScout.com and SB Nation.{{cite web| title=*Tony Jefferson, DS #8 FS, Oklahoma| url=http://draftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=108980&draftyear=2013&genpos=| access-date=April 8, 2018| website=draftscout.com}}{{cite web| title=2013 NFL Draft top 200 final overall rankings| url=https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-mock-draft/2013/4/12/4217832/2013-nfl-draft-big-board-top-200-100| access-date=April 8, 2018| website=sbnation.com| author=Kadar, Dan| date=April 12, 2013}}
{{external media
| video1 = [http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-combine/0ap2000000154008/2013-Combine-workout-Tony-Jefferson Jefferson's NFL Combine workout]
}}
{{NFL predraft
| height ft = 5
| height in = 10+3/4
| weight = 213
| dash = 4.75
| ten split = 1.67
| twenty split = 2.77
| shuttle = 4.21
| cone drill = 7.27
| vertical =
| broad ft =
| broad in =
| bench = 16
| wonderlic =
| arm span = 31+5/8
| hand span = 9+1/4
| note = All values from NFL Combine/Oklahoma's Pro Day{{cite web| title=NFL Draft Profile: Tony Jefferson| url=http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/tony-jefferson?id=2540164| access-date=April 8, 2018| website=NFL.com}}
}}
=Arizona Cardinals=
==2013==
On April 28, 2013, the Arizona Cardinals signed Jefferson to a three-year, $1.49 million contract that includes a signing bonus of $10,100 after he went undrafted in the 2013 NFL draft.{{cite web| title=Spotrac.com: Tony Jefferson contract| url=http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/baltimore-ravens/tony-jefferson-12541/| access-date=April 8, 2018| website=Spotrac.com}}{{cite web| title=Is Tony Jefferson the Answer for the Arizona Cardinals at Strong Safety?| url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2023875-is-tony-jefferson-the-answer-for-the-arizona-cardinals-at-strong-safety| access-date=April 8, 2018| website=bleacherreport.com| author=Langland, Tyson| date=April 10, 2013}} His fall in the draft surprised analysts and was attributed to his time in the 40-yard dash and questions about his work ethic.
Throughout training camp, Jefferson competed for a roster spot as a backup safety against Jonathon Amaya, Curtis Taylor, Javon Harris, and Josh Hill.{{cite web| title=Ourlads.com: Arizona Cardinals Depth Chart: 07/27/2013| url=http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/147/ARZ| access-date=April 8, 2018| website=Ourlads.com}}{{cite web| title=Williams wraps up roster spot in Cardinals' preseason finale| url=https://www.foxsports.com/other/story/williams-wraps-up-roster-spot-in-cardinals-preseason-finale-082913| access-date=April 8, 2018| website=FoxSports.com| date=August 29, 2013}}
On August 17, 2013, Jefferson recorded five combined tackles and intercepted two passes by Alex Tanney and Kyle Orton during a 12–7 victory against the Dallas Cowboys in their second preseason game.{{cite web |title=Cardinals beat mistake-prone Cowboys in preseason| url=http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2013081700/2013/PRE2/cowboys@cardinals| access-date=April 8, 2018| website=NFL.com}} Head coach Bruce Arians named Jefferson the backup strong safety, behind Yeremiah Bell, to begin the regular season after he performed well in the preseason and recorded 14 combined tackles (13 solo), two interceptions, and a sack.{{cite web| title=Arizona Cardinals Roster 2013: Latest Cuts, Depth Charts and Analysis| url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1751196-arizona-cardinals-roster-2013-latest-cuts-depth-charts-and-analysis| access-date=April 8, 2018| website=bleacherreport.com| author=Langland, Tyson| date=August 27, 2013}}
He made his professional regular season debut in the Arizona Cardinals' season-opening 27–24 loss at the St. Louis Rams. The following week, Jefferson earned his first career start and made three solo tackles during a 25–22 victory against the Detroit Lions in Week 2. He made his first career tackle on running back Reggie Bush, stopping him for a four-yard loss in the first quarter.{{cite web| title=NFL Game Center: Week 2-2013: Detroit Lions @ Arizona Cardinals| url=http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2013091509/2013/REG2/lions@cardinals| access-date=April 8, 2018| website=NFL.com}} On September 29, 2013, Jefferson collected a season-high seven combined tackles during 13–10 victory at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.{{cite web| title=NFL Player stats: Tony Jefferson (2013)| url=http://www.nfl.com/player/tonyjefferson/2540164/gamelogs?season=2013| access-date=April 8, 2018| website=NFL.com}} His snaps increased for the last three games of the season (Weeks 15–17) after Tyrann Mathieu tore two ligaments in his knee and was sidelined for the rest of the season. In Week 16, he earned his second career start, replacing free safety Rashad Johnson, who was inactive due to an injury he suffered the previous week. Jefferson finished the Cardinals' 17–10 victory at the Seattle Seahawks with four combined tackles.{{cite web| title=Cardinals vs. Seahawks inactives: Larry Fitzgerald, Carson Palmer active for Arizona| url=https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/platform/2013/12/22/5236058/cardinals-vs-seahawks-inactives-larry-fitzgerald-carson-palmer-active| access-date=April 8, 2018| website=revengeofthebirds.com| author=Root, Jess| date=December 22, 2013}} He finished his rookie season in {{NFL Year|2013}} with 24 combined tackles (19 solo) and a fumble recovery in 16 games and two starts.{{cite web| title=NFL Player stats: Tony Jefferson (2013)| url=http://www.nfl.com/player/tonyjefferson/2540164/careerstats| access-date=April 8, 2018| website=NFL.com}}
==2014==
During OTA's and training camp, Jefferson competed against Rashad Johnson and rookie first round pick Deone Bucannon for the job as the starting strong safety.{{cite news | title=Cardinals trade down at draft, select defensive back Bucannon| url=http://peoriatimes.com/sports/article_1f0519a0-0b1f-521d-acc4-6edb79f9008b.html| access-date=April 8, 2018|newspaper=Peoria Times |author=Jackson, Darrell |date=May 9, 2014}} Defensive coordinator Todd Bowles named Jefferson the starting strong safety to start the regular season, alongside free safety Tyrann Mathieu.{{cite web| title=2014 NFL roster cuts: The newest Arizona Cardinals depth chart| url=https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/2014/8/31/6089057/2014-nfl-roster-cuts-the-newest-arizona-cardinals-depth-chart| access-date=April 8, 2018| website=revengeofthebirds.com| author=Root, Jess| date=August 31, 2014}} Rashad Johnson later replaced Mathieu as the starting free safety to start the season due to a slow recovery process for Mathieu's knee injury.{{cite web| title=Tyrann Mathieu returns from injury, and how other LSU players fared in NFL Week 2 games| url=http://www.nola.com/lsu/index.ssf/2014/09/lsu_players_in_the_nfl_week_2.html| access-date=April 8, 2018| website=nola.com| author=Romanach, Tommy| date=September 16, 2014}}
In Week 3, Jefferson made ten combined tackles (eight solo) and his first career sack on quarterback Colin Kaepernick during a 23–14 victory against the San Francisco 49ers.{{cite web| title=NFL Game Center: Week 3-2014: San Francisco 49ers @ Arizona Cardinals| url=http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014092110/2014/REG3/49ers@cardinals| access-date=April 8, 2018| website=NFL.com}} On October 26, 2014, he collected a season-high 12 combined tackles (11 solo) and broke up a pass in the Cardinals' 24–20 victory against the Philadelphia Eagles. Jefferson was replaced as the starting free safety prior to Week 10, after Tyrann Mathieu fully recovered from his knee injury. He remained the backup free safety for four games (Weeks 10–13). In Week 13, Mathieu sustained a broken thumb during a 29–18 loss at the Atlanta Falcons. Jefferson filled in at starting free safety for three games (Weeks 14–16) while Mathieu recovered from surgery to repair his broken thumb.{{cite web| title=Safety Safely In Tony Jefferson's Hands| url=http://azcardinals.com/news-and-events/article-2/Safety-Safely-In-Tony-Jeffersons-Hands/92b3d6c7-cb82-4305-a588-fa40f7140fc3| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905111431/http://azcardinals.com/news-and-events/article-2/Safety-Safely-In-Tony-Jeffersons-Hands/92b3d6c7-cb82-4305-a588-fa40f7140fc3| url-status=dead| archive-date=September 5, 2015| access-date=April 8, 2018| website=azcardinals.com| author=Odegard, Kyle| date=December 3, 2014}} On December 26, 2014, Jefferson recorded seven solo tackles as the Cardinals were routed 35–6 by the Seattle Seahawks in Week 16.{{cite web| title=NFL Player stats: Tony Jefferson (2014)| url=http://www.nfl.com/player/tonyjefferson/2540164/gamelogs?season=2014| access-date=April 8, 2018| website=NFL.com}} Jefferson finished the {{NFL Year|2014}} season with 79 combined tackles (70 solo), a pass deflection, and a sack in 16 games and eight starts. Jefferson, Johnson, Mathieu, and Bucannon all shared time and rotated at both safety positions throughout 2014. Jefferson and Johnson were called upon to play in the Cardinals' base formations and received the majority of the snaps, while Bucannon was given duties that required the safety to play in the box. Mathieu was the designated safety for nickel packages. All four safeties were on the field for 70 defensive snaps.{{cite web| title=Depth at safety a good problem for Cardinals| url=http://www.espn.com/blog/arizona-cardinals/post/_/id/13559/depth-at-safety-a-good-problem-for-cardinals| access-date=April 8, 2018| website=ESPN| author=Weinfuss, Josh| date=April 3, 2015}}
The Arizona Cardinals finished second in the NFC West with an 11–5 record. On January 3, 2015, Jefferson started in his first career playoff game and made up seven combined tackles in the Cardinals' 27–16 loss to the Carolina Panthers in the NFC Wildcard Game.
==2015==
Jefferson returned to training camp competing for the job as the starting strong safety against Deone Bucannon .{{cite web| title=Arizona Cardinals: Predicting The Starting Defense| url=https://www.raisingzona.com/2015/06/24/arizona-cardinals-predicting-the-starting-defense/| access-date=April 8, 2018| website=raisingzona.com| author=Allen, Scott| date=June 24, 2015}} Defensive coordinator James Bettcher named Jefferson the starting strong safety to start the 2015 season, opposite free safety Tyrann Mathieu.{{cite web | title=Arizona Cardinals' Two-deep Safety Depth Chart|url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nfl/cardinals/2015/09/06/arizona-cardinals-two-deep-depth-chart/71599430/?from=new-cookie| access-date=April 8, 2018| website=azcentral.com}}
On September 20, 2015, Jefferson recorded nine solo tackles, a pass deflection, and returned his first career interception off a pass by quarterback Jay Cutler for a 26-yard touchdown during a 48–23 victory at the Chicago Bears in Week 2. His interception came off a pass attended for Martellus Bennett in the second quarter and also marked his first career touchdown.{{cite web| title=NFL Game Center: Week 2-2015: Arizona Cardinals @ Chicago Bears| url=http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2015092006/2015/REG2/cardinals@bears| access-date=April 8, 2018| website=NFL.com}} In Week 5, he collected a season-high 12 combined tackles (eight solo), a pass deflection, and forced two fumbles in a 42–16 victory at the Detroit Lions. On November 29, 2015, Jefferson made six combined tackles and a sack on Blaine Gabbert during the Cardinals' 19–13 victory at the San Francisco 49ers.{{cite web| title=NFL Player stats: Week 12-2015: Arizona Cardinals @ San Francisco 49ers| url=http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2015112909/2015/REG12/cardinals@49ers| access-date=April 8, 2018| website=nfl.com}}{{cite web| title=NFL Player stats: Tony Jefferson (2015)| url=http://www.nfl.com/player/tonyjefferson/2540164/gamelogs?season=2015| access-date=April 8, 2018| website=NFL.com}} Jefferson finished his third season with 78 combined tackles (58 solo), five pass deflections, three forced fumbles, two sacks, two interceptions, and a touchdown in 16 games and seven starts. His 78 tackles were the fourth most on the team. Pro Football Focus gave Jefferson an overall grade of 81.3, ranking him 18th among all qualifying safeties in 2015.{{cite web| title=Cardinals safety Tony Jefferson a RFA to keep an eye on according to Pro Football Focus| url=http://arizonasports.com/story/582551/cardinals-safety-tony-jefferson-an-rfa-to-keep-an-eye-on-according-to-pro-football-focus/| access-date=April 9, 2018| website=arizonasports.com| date=March 9, 2016}}{{cite web| title=With All These Options, Chicago Bears Aren't Done Yet| url=http://sportsmockery.com/2016/03/chicago-bears-not-even-close-to-done-in-free-agency/| access-date=April 8, 2018| website=sportsmockery.com| author=Lambert, Erik| date=March 13, 2016}}
The Arizona Cardinals finished first in the NFC West with a 13–3 record and received a first round bye. The Cardinals defeated the Green Bay Packers 26–20 in the NFC Divisional Round. On January 24, 2016, Jefferson started for the Cardinals in the NFC Championship and recorded 11 combined tackles (five solo) and a pass deflection in their 49–15 loss to the Carolina Panthers.
==2016==
On April 18, 2016, the Arizona Cardinals signed Jefferson to a one-year, $1.67 million tender with a right of first refusal clause.
Throughout training camp, he competed for the job as the starting strong safety against D.J. Swearinger.{{cite web| title=Arizona Cardinals: Training camp surprises| url=https://www.raisingzona.com/2016/08/16/arizona-cardinals-surprises-training-camp/| access-date=April 8, 2018| website=raisingzona.com| author=Hensen, Johnathan| date=August 16, 2016}}{{cite web| title=49ers opponents training camp preview: Arizona Cardinals| url=https://www.ninersnation.com/platform/2016/7/4/12087282/49ers-opponents-training-camp-preview-arizona-cardinals| access-date=April 8, 2018| website=ninersnation.com| author=Fucillo, David| date=July 4, 2016}} Head coach Bruce Arians named Jefferson the backup strong safety behind D.J. Swearinger to begin the regular season.{{cite web| title=Arizona Cardinals release first Depth Chart of 2016| url=https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/2016/9/5/12802774/arizona-cardinals-release-first-depth-chart-of-2016| access-date=April 8, 2018| website=revengeofthebirds.com| author=Mann, Alex| date=September 5, 2016}}
He started the Arizona Cardinals' season-opener against the New England Patriots and recorded ten combined tackles (nine solo) in their 23–21 loss. The following week, he collected a season-high 11 combined tackles (nine solo) in the Cardinals' 40–7 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 2. On December 11, 2016, Jefferson recorded ten combined tackles (seven solo) during a 26–23 loss at the Miami Dolphins.{{cite web| title=NFL Player stats: Tony Jefferson (2016)| url=http://www.nfl.com/player/tonyjefferson/2540164/gamelogs?season=2016| access-date=April 8, 2018| website=NFL.com}} In Week 16, he made seven solo tackles before exiting the Cardinals' 35–6 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in the second quarter after he sustained a knee injury while covering a punt. He was diagnosed with a sprained MCL and was placed on injured reserve on December 27, 2016.{{cite web|title=Secondary Shift As Tony Jefferson Goes To IR|url=http://www.azcardinals.com/news-and-events/article-2/Secondary-Shift-As-Tony-Jefferson-Goes-To-IR/bdb27adf-0d8b-47ad-92ea-cef5748cb79b|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180410140123/http://www.azcardinals.com/news-and-events/article-2/Secondary-Shift-As-Tony-Jefferson-Goes-To-IR/bdb27adf-0d8b-47ad-92ea-cef5748cb79b|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 10, 2018|author=Urban, Darren|website=AZCardinals.com|date=December 27, 2016}}{{cite web| title=Cardinals' Tony Jefferson: Placed on injured reserve| url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/cardinals-tony-jefferson-placed-on-injured-reserve/| access-date=April 8, 2018| website=CBS Sports| date=December 27, 2016}} He finished his last season as part of the Cardinals with a career-high 96 combined tackles (78 solo), five pass deflections, two sacks, two fumble recoveries, and two forced fumbles in 15 games and 14 starts.
The Arizona Cardinals did not qualify for the playoffs in 2016 after finishing second in the NFC West with a 7–8–1 record. Pro Football Focus gave Jefferson an overall grade of 88.6, ranking him fifth among all qualifying safeties in 2016.{{cite web| title=Rumor: Baltimore Ravens Could Add Tony Jefferson| url=https://www.ebonybird.com/2017/02/13/rumor-baltimore-ravens-could-add-tony-jefferson/| access-date=April 9, 2018| website=ebonybird.com| author=Schiller, Joe| date=February 13, 2017}}
=Baltimore Ravens (first stint)=
==2017==
Jefferson became an unrestricted free agent after the 2016 season and was regarded as the second best free agent safety on the market behind Kansas City Chiefs' safety Eric Berry. He received interest from multiple teams including the Chicago Bears. It was reported that Jefferson received offers from the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets.{{cite web| title=Tony Jefferson turned down more money from Jets to sign with Ravens, report says| url=http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2017/03/tony_jefferson_turned_down_more_money_from_jets_to.html| access-date=April 8, 2018| website=nj.com| author=Hughes, Connor| date=March 10, 2017}}
On March 9, 2017, the Baltimore Ravens signed Jefferson to a four-year, $34 million contract that includes $19 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $10 million.{{cite web|title=Ravens Sign Safety Tony-Jefferson To 4-Year Deal|url=http://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/article-1/Ravens-Sign-Safety-Tony-Jefferson-To-4-Year-Deal/8517b161-9719-48b0-829c-5da5519fa48a|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180409171603/http://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/article-1/Ravens-Sign-Safety-Tony-Jefferson-To-4-Year-Deal/8517b161-9719-48b0-829c-5da5519fa48a|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 9, 2018|author=Mink, Ryan|website=BaltimoreRavens.com|date=March 9, 2017}}
He entered training camp slated as the starting strong safety, replacing Lardarius Webb. Head coach John Harbaugh officially named him the starter to open the season, alongside free safety Eric Weddle. Jefferson started the Baltimore Ravens' season-opener against the Cincinnati Bengals and recorded nine combined tackles and a sack on quarterback Andy Dalton during their 20–0 victory.{{cite web| title=NFL Player stats: Tony Jefferson (2017)| url=http://www.nfl.com/player/tonyjefferson/2540164/gamelogs?season=2017| access-date=April 9, 2018| website=NFL.com}} In Week 12, he recorded three combined tackles, deflected a pass, and intercepted a pass by Tom Savage in the Ravens' 23–16 victory against the Houston Texans.{{cite web| title=NFL Game Center: Week 12-2017: Houston Texans @ Baltimore Ravens| url=http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2017112700/2017/REG12/texans@ravens| access-date=April 9, 2018| website=NFL.com}} On December 10, 2017, Jefferson made a season-high 11 combined tackles (eight solo) and was credited with half a sack during a 39–38 loss at the Pittsburgh Steelers. Jefferson and teammate Terrell Suggs sacked Roethlisberger for a nine-yard loss the fourth quarter.{{cite web| title=NFL Game Center: Week 14-2017: Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers| url=http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2017121013/2017/REG14/ravens@steelers| access-date=April 9, 2018| website=NFL.com}} He finished his first season with the Baltimore Ravens with 79 combined tackles (56 solo), 2.5 sacks, two pass deflections, and an interception in 16 games and 16 starts. Pro Football Focus gave Jefferson an overall grade of 82.4, which ranked 24th among all qualifying safeties in 2017.{{cite web| title=Pro Football Focus: Tony Jefferson| url=https://www.profootballfocus.com/nfl/players/tony-jefferson/8361| access-date=April 9, 2018| website=profootballfocus.com}}
==2018==
Jefferson returned as the Ravens starting strong safety in 2018. He started 14 games, recording 74 combined tackles, a forced fumble, an interception, and a career-high six pass deflections.
==2019==
On October 6, 2019, in a game against the Steelers, Jefferson was in coverage when he fell to the ground, grabbing his knee. It was revealed after the game that he tore his ACL ultimately, ending his season.{{cite tweet|number=1180949898985910283|user=AdamSchefter|title=Ravens' S Tony Jefferson suffered a season-ending torn ACL. Ravens' HC John Harbaugh said there could be more damag... |date=October 6, 2019}} The Ravens did go on to win the game 26–23 in OT. The following day, Jefferson was put on season-ending injured reserve.{{cite web|title=Ravens place Tony Jefferson on IR|url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2019/10/07/ravens-place-tony-jefferson-on-ir|author=Williams, Charean|work=Pro Football Talk|publisher=NBC Sports|date=October 7, 2019}}
On February 14, 2020, Jefferson was released by the Ravens.{{cite web|title=Ravens Release Safety Tony Jefferson|url=https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/ravens-release-safety-tony-jefferson|author=Mink, Ryan|website=BaltimoreRavens.com|date=February 14, 2020}}
=San Francisco 49ers=
After spending the 2020 season out of football, Jefferson was signed a one-year, $1 million contract with the San Francisco 49ers on June 7, 2021.{{Cite web|title=49ers Sign S Tony Jefferson; Waive CB Briean Boddy-Calhoun|url=https://www.49ers.com/news/49ers-sign-s-tony-jefferson-waive-cb-briean-boddy-calhoun|publisher=49ers.com|date=June 7, 2021|access-date=June 7, 2021}} However, he was placed on injured reserve on August 12, 2021, and later released on August 23, 2021. He was re-signed to the practice squad on October 25, 2021.{{cite web|title=49ers Activate DL from Reserve/Suspended List; Sign S to Practice Squad|url=https://www.49ers.com/news/49ers-activate-dl-from-reserve-suspended-list-sign-s-to-practice-squad|website=49ers.com|date=October 25, 2021}} He was released on December 8, 2021, after appearing in two games.{{cite web|title=49ers add RB to practice squad, release S Tony Jefferson|url=https://ninerswire.usatoday.com/2021/12/08/49ers-add-rb-to-practice-squad-release-s-tony-jefferson/|department=Niners Wire|work=USA Today|date=December 8, 2021}}
=Baltimore Ravens (second stint)=
On December 13, 2021, Jefferson was re-signed to the Ravens' practice squad.{{cite web|title=Ravens Bring Back Tony Jefferson to Practice Squad|url=https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/ravens-bring-back-tony-jefferson-to-practice-squad|author=Mink, Ryan|website=BaltimoreRavens.com|date=December 13, 2021}} On January 8, 2022, Jefferson was promoted to the active roster.{{cite web|title=Tony Jefferson Elevated to 53-Man Roster, More Steelers Return From COVID List|url=https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/tony-jefferson-elevated-to-53-man-roster-more-steelers-return-from-covid-list|author=Mink, Ryan|website=BaltimoreRavens.com|date=January 8, 2022}}
On February 24, 2022, Jefferson re-signed with the Ravens.{{Cite web|last=Brown|first=Clifton|date=February 24, 2022|title=Ravens Re-Sign Tony Jefferson|url=https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/ravens-re-sign-tony-jefferson|access-date=February 24, 2022|website=BaltimoreRavens.com|language=en-US}}
On August 30, 2022, Jefferson was released by the Ravens.{{Cite web|title=Ravens Make Roster Cuts to 53|url=https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/ravens-roster-cuts-53-2022|access-date=August 30, 2022|website=BaltimoreRavens.com|language=en-US}}
=New York Giants=
On September 1, 2022, Jefferson signed with the New York Giants practice squad.{{cite web|title=Giants sign safety Tony Jefferson, three others to practice squad|url=https://giantswire.usatoday.com/2022/09/01/new-york-giants-sign-veteran-safety-tony-jefferson-practice-squad/|author=Benton, Dan|website=Giantswire.com|date=September 1, 2022}} Jefferson was elevated from the practice squad for Week 1 and Week 2 games against the Tennessee Titans and Carolina Panthers.{{cite web|title=Giants activate OLB Quincy Roche, DB Tony Jefferson from practice squad|url=https://www.giants.com/news/quincy-roche-tony-jefferson-tennessee-titans-week-1-max-garcia|author=Citak, Matt|website=Giants.com|date=September 10, 2022}}{{cite web|title=Giants activate DBs Tony Jefferson, Fabian Moreau from practice squad|url=https://www.giants.com/news/roster-move-tony-jefferson-fabian-moreau-aaron-robinson-nick-mccloud|author=Salomone, Dan|website=Giants.com|date=September 17, 2022}} On October 8, 2022, he was promoted to the active roster.{{cite web|title=Giants activate QB Davis Webb among roster moves|url=https://www.giants.com/news/davis-webb-practice-squad-tony-jefferson-marcus-johnson-packers-london-week-5|website=Giants.com|date=October 8, 2022}}
On October 15, 2022, he was placed on injured reserve with a foot injury.{{cite web|title=Giants elevate DL Ryder Anderson, WR Marcus Johnson; DB Tony Jefferson to IR|url=https://www.giants.com/news/ryder-anderson-marcus-johnson-tony-jefferson-roster-baltimore-ravens|author=Salomone, Dan|website=Giants.com|date=October 15, 2022}} On December 3, Jefferson was activated from injured reserve.{{cite web|title=OLB Azeez Ojulari activated among series of moves|url=https://www.giants.com/news/azeez-ojulari-nick-vannett-ohio-state-buckeyes-tony-jefferson-roster|author=Eisen, Michael|website=Giants.com|date=December 3, 2022}} Jefferson finished the season with 24 tackles.
=Retirement=
On May 25, 2023, Jefferson announced that he was retiring from professional football and would be re-joining the Baltimore Ravens organization in a scouting capacity.{{Cite web|title=Former Cardinals, Ravens safety Tony Jefferson retiring after 10 years, moving into scouting|url=https://www.nfl.com/_amp/former-cardinals-ravens-safety-tony-jefferson-retiring-scouting|access-date=May 25, 2023|website=nfl.com|language=en}}
On May 28, 2024, Jefferson announced that he was coming out of retirement and was seeking to play in the 2024 NFL season.{{Cite web|title=Tony Jefferson coming out of retirement: Ravens reunion among logical landing spots for veteran safety|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/tony-jefferson-coming-out-of-retirement-ravens-reunion-among-logical-landing-spots-for-veteran-safety/amp/|access-date=May 28, 2024|website=cbssports.com|language=en}}
=Los Angeles Chargers=
On June 14, 2024, Jefferson signed with the Los Angeles Chargers.{{Cite web |title=Los Angeles Chargers Sign Tony Jefferson |url=https://www.chargers.com/news/los-angeles-chargers-sign-tony-jefferson-2024 |access-date=June 15, 2024 |website=Chargers.com |language=en-US}} He was released on August 29, and re-signed to the practice squad.{{cite web|title=Los Angeles Chargers Acquire Quarterback Taylor Heinicke|url=https://www.chargers.com/news/los-angeles-chargers-acquire-quarterback-taylor-heinicke-2024|website=Chargers.com|date=August 29, 2024}} He was promoted to the active roster on September 26 and released four days later, and signed back to the practice squad.{{cite web|title=Los Angeles Chargers Sign Tony Jefferson to Active Roster|url=https://www.chargers.com/news/los-angeles-chargers-sign-tony-jefferson-to-active-roster-2024|website=Chargers.com|date=September 26, 2024}}{{cite web |title=Tony Jefferson News: Released by Chargers |url=https://www.rotowire.com/football/headlines/tony-jefferson-news-released-by-chargers-577768 |website=Rotowire |access-date=October 1, 2024}} He was promoted back to the active roster a few weeks later.{{cite web|title=Chargers Activate Nick Niemann; Sign Tony Jefferson to Active Roster|url=https://www.chargers.com/news/chargers-activate-nick-niemann-sign-tony-jefferson-to-active-roster-2024|website=Chargers.com|date=October 12, 2024}}
On March 24, 2025, Johnson re-signed with the Chargers on a one-year contract.{{Cite web |date=March 24, 2025 |title=Los Angeles Chargers Agree to Terms with Tony Jefferson |url=https://www.chargers.com/news/agree-to-terms-with-tony-jefferson-2025 |access-date=2 April 2025 |website=Chargers.com}}
NFL career statistics
| class="wikitable"
|+ ! colspan="2" |Legend |
| Bold
|Career high |
= Regular season =
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" | ||||||||||||||
| rowspan="2" | Year
! rowspan="2" | Team ! colspan="2" | Games ! colspan="4" | Tackles ! colspan="6" | Interceptions ! colspan="3" | Fumbles | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP
!GS ! Cmb | Solo | Ast | Sck | Int | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | PD | FF | FR | TD | ||
| 2013 | ARI
| 16 |2|| 22 || 17 || 5 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 1 || 0 | |||||||||||||
| 2014 | ARI
| 16 |8|| 74 || 65 || 9 || 1.0 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 1 || 1 || 0 || 0 | |||||||||||||
| 2015 | ARI
| 16 |7|| 74 || 54 || 20 || 2.0 || 2 || 26 || 13.0 || 26 || 1 || 5 || 3 || 0 || 0 | |||||||||||||
| 2016 | ARI
| 15 |14|| 91 || 73 || 18 || 2.0 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 5 || 2 || 0 || 0 | |||||||||||||
| 2017 | BAL
| 16 |16|| 77 || 54 || 23 || 2.5 || 1 || 13 || 13.0 || 13 || 0 || 2 || 1 || 0 || 0 | |||||||||||||
| 2018 | BAL
| 14 |14|| 72 || 51 || 21 || 1.0 || 1 || 15 || 15.0 || 15 || 0 || 6 || 1 || 0 || 0 | |||||||||||||
| 2019
!BAL |5 |5 |21 |11 |10 |0.0 |0 |0 |0.0 |0 |0 |3 |0 |0 |0 | ||||||||||||||
| rowspan="2" |2021 | SF
| 2 |0|| 1 || 0 || 1 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 | 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 | |||||||||||||
| BAL
| 4 |0|| 17 || 9 || 8 || 1.0 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 0 | ||||||||||||||
| 2022
!NYG |9 |1 |23 |16 |7 |0.0 |0 |0 |0.0 |0 |0 |1 |0 |0 |0 | ||||||||||||||
| 2024
!LAC |8 |4 |27 |17 |10 |0.0 |0 |0 |0.0 |0 |0 |0 |0 |0 |0 | ||||||||||||||
| colspan="2" | [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/J/JeffTo00.htm Career] | 121
!71 | 499 | 367 | 132 | 9.5 | 4 | 54 | 13.5 | 54 | 1 | 24 | 8 | 1 | 0 |
= Postseason =
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" | ||||||||||||||
| rowspan="2" | Year
! rowspan="2" | Team ! colspan="2" | Games ! colspan="4" | Tackles ! colspan="6" | Interceptions ! colspan="3" | Fumbles | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP
!GS ! Cmb | Solo | Ast | Sck | Int | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | PD | FF | FR | TD | ||
| 2014 | ARI
| 1 |1|| 7 || 3 || 4 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 | |||||||||||||
| 2015 | ARI
| 2 |2|| 20|| 13|| 7|| 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 2|| 0 || 0 || 0 | |||||||||||||
| 2018 | BAL
| 1 |1|| 8 || 5 || 3 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 | |||||||||||||
| 2022
!NYG |2 |0 |4 |2 |2 |0.0 |0 |0 |0.0 |0 |0 |0 |0 |0 |0 | ||||||||||||||
| 2024
!LAC |1 |1 |3 |2 |1 |0.0 |0 |0 |0.0 |0 |0 |0 |1 |1 |0 | ||||||||||||||
| colspan="2" | [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/J/JeffTo00.htm Career] | 7
!5 | 42 | 25 | 17 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{Football stats}} [https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/tony-jefferson-1.html Sports-Reference (college)], [https://www.nfl.com/players/tony-jefferson/stats/career NFL.com]
- [http://www.soonersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=31000&ATCLID=208799218 Oklahoma Sooners bio]
- [https://www.chargers.com/team/players-roster/tony-jefferson/ Los Angeles Chargers bio]
{{Los Angeles Chargers roster navbox}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Jefferson, Tony}}
Category:Players of American football from Chula Vista, California
Category:American football safeties
Category:Oklahoma Sooners football players
Category:Arizona Cardinals players
Category:Baltimore Ravens players
Category:San Francisco 49ers players
Category:New York Giants players
Category:Los Angeles Chargers players
Category:Eastlake High School (Chula Vista, California) alumni
Category:American sportspeople of Mexican descent
Category:Hispanic and Latino American players of American football