Former Illini Te’Rah Edwards Makes an Interception for the LA Chargers

Former Illini TeRah Edwards made every lineman—and former lineman—proud on Saturday evening (8/16), as the 6’3, 305 pound defensive tackle put himself perfectly in position to step in front of an arid Stetson Bennett pass—snatching an always-fun big-man interception, before rumbling 27 yards, and leveling the Rams’ backup QB along the boundary while being brought down.

A huge play for the Chargers, who found themselves in a pinch with the Bennet and the Rams setting up deep into their territory on the 25, only up 22-17 with 6:45 left in the 4th quarter.

Interceptions by 300+ pound defensive tackles hit different 🔥 @terah_23

Watch on @NFLNetwork
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/wgu7tG0LD7

— NFL (@NFL) August 17, 2025

Unfortunately for TeRah’s Chargers, their assorted preseason offense was unable to come away with points after the exciting turnover that put them in a solid position to finish with a win. The next drive, Bennett redeemed himself, delivering a deep 40-yard dime under pressure to Brennan Presley to convert on 4th and 10, with 10 seconds remaining, setting up a 8 yard game winning touchdown pass to Tru Edwards the very next play.

STETSON BENNETT FINDS TRU EDWARDS WITH 5 SECONDS LEFT TO TAKE THE LEAD 😱pic.twitter.com/LbsrUyuGf0

— NFL+ (@NFLPlus) August 17, 2025

Despite the close early loss, it’s great to see the former Illini Undrafted Free Agent making an impact in LA, and finding a way to set himself apart as teams continue to break down thier rosters ahead of the 2025 season.

Can Edwards keep the momentum going, and carve out a role for himself on Jim Harbaugh/Jesse Minter’s defense? Plays like this certainly help.

Regardless, the big man claims that he lived out a dream on Saturday night.

TeRah Edwards following his INT on 8/16: “I ain’t touched the ball in years, so, yeah, it was a blessing. I was trying to take it as far as I could, man. I ain’t never scored a touchdown in my life, so I was trying. Played a little running back in my Little League days, you know. I’ve always been a lineman, so that’s always a big guy’s dream.”

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________