Chargers tight end Charlie Kolar fined $17,911 for leg whip vs Rams
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
The NFL fined Chargers tight end Charlie Kolar $17,911 for a leg whip against the Rams.
Kolar, a blocker on a $24.3 million deal, was the only player fined.
Background
Charlie Kolar is a Los Angeles Chargers tight end in his fifth season, described as more of a blocker than a receiver. He signed with the Chargers in free agency on a three-year, $24.3 million deal after playing behind Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely with the Ravens, where he had never caught more than 10 passes in a season. The signing was called one of the more under-the-radar moves of the offseason, and he was expected to get more passing-game opportunities in Los Angeles.
How it unfolded
- Jul 18, 2026Kolar signed with the Chargers in free agency on a three-year, $24.3 million deal after playing behind Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely with the Ravens.
- Nov 1, 2026In a 24-9 loss to the Rams, Kolar caught one of four targets for 20 yards. On a first-quarter block, he committed a leg whip that struck Rams linebacker Byron Young in the midsection; no flags were thrown.
- Nov 7, 2026The NFL fined Kolar $17,911 for the leg whip, the full amount for a first-time offense; he was the only player from either side fined after the game.
- Nov 9, 2026Kolar spoke to the media after the Chargers' Week 9 matchup against the Houston Texans, saying "Gotta Attack, Only Thing We Can Do."
Key terms
- tight end
- An offensive position in American and Canadian football combining blocking and receiving roles, lined up tight to the offensive line.
- free agency
- A professional athlete who is not under contract with any team and is free to sign with another.
Source: Wikipedia
Who’s saying what
- Official
- The NFL fined Kolar $17,911, the full amount for a first-time offense, for the leg whip.
- Analysts
- The Athletic's Daniel Popper tabbed Kolar as a player to watch for the 2026 season, and his signing was called one of the more under-the-radar moves of the offseason.