Javon Hargrave collided headfirst into an NFL referee, resulting in medical aid — and somehow, the ref finished the Vikings-Chargers game on Thursday Night Football
23:52 ET, 24 Oct 2025
Andy Warner receives medical attention
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Andy Warner collided with a Minnesota Vikings player and received medical attention(Image: Prime Video)
Thursday Night Football broke its usual flow when a simple substitution led to a severe collision with an NFL official that many fans believe could have been prevented. The conflict between players and referees continues to intensify after Micah Parsons sharply criticized league officiating.
Referee and down judge Andy Warner needed medical attention after being struck in the face by a 307-pound defensive lineman, Javon Hargrave, during the Vikings’ 37-10 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. The moment happened late in the second quarter as Hargrave sprinted back into formation from the sideline with tunnel vision locked on his next assignment.
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Warner stepped into position near midfield and had no reason to expect that Hargrave would accelerate toward him, helmet first, straight through the official’s line of sight. Warner's hat flew off on impact, his body jolted, and for a second, it looked like he might need to collect himself.
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The incident occurred shortly after the NFL Fall Meeting, where the league's future and the ban on the tush push were discussed.
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But he steadied himself, took a breath, picked up his hat, and walked toward the sideline before trainers stopped him for a medical check. He was evaluated for several minutes before returning to finish the game, earning a round of applause from nearby fans and a flood of stunned reactions online.
"How do you not see the ref?" one fan wrote. Another said, "He could've checked on him at least." A third added, "Did the player not even see the ref?"
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Hargrave is 6-foot-2 and 305 pounds and has a reputation for clean play, with no history or typical habits of dirty conduct. Over nine seasons, he has been regarded as one of the league’s most respected linemen, playing for the Steelers, Eagles, and 49ers before moving to Minnesota.
The only fine he received was in 2016 for a horse-collar tackle during a rivalry game against Cincinnati. He's been to two Pro Bowls, recorded 47.5 career sacks, and finished his 2024 season on injured reserve after a torn triceps.
The 49ers released him with a post-June 1 designation, after which he signed with the Vikings in the offseason to strengthen their defensive line.
Aaron Rodgers escapes from Hargrave
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Hargrave is a two-time Pro Bowler
The Down Judge has officiated seven games this season, including Green Bay vs. Detroit (Week 1), Jets vs. Bills (Week 2), and Patriots vs. Steelers (Week 3).
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His crew averages 13.3 penalties for 107.1 yards per game, which is slightly below the league’s 2025 season averages of 14.2 penalties and 113.8 yards.
League data also shows Warner's home-team win percentage at 57.1, percent nearly identical to the league norm. His penalty consistency rate is just under one call fewer per game than that of his officiating peers.
Thursday's Chargers-Vikings game was his seventh appearance as Down Judge this season. He called eight penalties for 66 yards, which is close to his typical average.