If the LA Chargers represent the Jedi Order then the Kansas City Chiefs represent the Galactic Order. The Chiefs are the team to beat in the NFL (even after losing Super Bowl 59) and the Chargers get the unfortunate pleasure of sharing a division with them.
Anyone who joins the Chiefs is instantly a member of the dark side, even if they previously spent time with the Bolts. Just ask linebacker Drue Tranquill, who went from one of the most beloved players on the Chargers to a despised enemy.
But what happens if someone who is already despised by Chargers fans signs with the Chiefs? Well, we are going to find that out together as the Chiefs are signing former Chargers draft bust Jerry Tillery to a one-year deal.
Chiefs sign former Chargers first-round pick Jerry Tillery
Tillery became one of the most despised players while he was a member of the Chargers because of how disappointing he was. The former 28th overall pick led the way and represented what was a pretty woeful 2019 draft class for the Chargers.
It wasn't just that Tillery failed to live up to expectations that made Chargers fan frustrated. It was this sense that he didn't really care that he wasn't living up to being a first-round pick. While he definitely did care (or should have), Chargers fans quickly grew tired of this perceived lack of effort (especially in defending the run).
This isn't Tillery's first time joining a Chargers' rival, either. In poetic fashion, Tillery first joined the Las Vegas Raiders after his Chargers tenure unceremoniously ended.
As if that wasn't enough to make Chargers fans despise him even more, Tillery was in the middle of a scuffle between the two teams when he blatantly hit Justin Herbert late on the sideline in 2023.
Now Tillery joins the team the Chargers are trying to dethrone and his villain evolution is complete. Tillery may have just snatched the title of being the most despised player by Chargers fans, if he didn't have it already.
Unfortunately, despite struggling with the Chargers, Tillery is set up to succeed with the Chiefs. The former first-round pick admittedly played well with the Minnesota Vikings last season. Now, he walks into a defense where he benefits from playing with Chris Jones and defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.
Perhaps now that he is back in the AFC West he will revert to his old ways. That is what Chargers fans should hope for, at least.