Junior Colson Jumps Adrian Martinez’s Pass for a 16-Yard Pick-Six Against 49ers

Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Junior Colson delivered one of the biggest defensive plays of Thursday night’s preseason matchup against the San Francisco 49ers, turning an interception into a 16-yard touchdown.

With San Francisco quarterback Adrian Martinez dropping back in the third quarter, Colson read the play, broke toward the passing lane and secured the interception before racing into the end zone. The touchdown gave the Chargers a much-needed spark, although San Francisco ultimately controlled the game and won 41-17.

Colson Makes the Read

The play showed exactly the kind of instincts the Chargers want from their young linebacker.

According to the Chargers, Colson tracked Martinez’s eyes and reacted immediately after the quarterback released the football. Once he secured the interception, there was little resistance between Colson and the end zone as he completed the 16-yard return.

It was the Chargers’ first touchdown of the night and one of the few major highlights for a Los Angeles team that struggled to keep pace with San Francisco.

The defensive score also demonstrated how quickly a single turnover can change the momentum of a preseason game.

A Big Moment for Colson

The interception was particularly important for Colson because he is looking to establish himself after a difficult second season.

Colson was selected by the Chargers in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft after helping Michigan win the national championship. He appeared in 11 games as a rookie but missed the entire 2025 season after undergoing preseason shoulder surgery.

Returning to the field this summer, Colson has been competing for a more significant role within Los Angeles’ linebacker rotation.

A pick-six against an NFL quarterback provides exactly the kind of highlight that can strengthen his case.

Martinez Eventually Responds

The interception was costly for Martinez, but the 49ers quarterback recovered impressively.

San Francisco entered halftime with a 20-3 advantage and continued to control the game after Colson’s touchdown. Martinez later added a 9-yard rushing touchdown and threw a 16-yard touchdown pass to Jordan Watkins, helping the 49ers pull further away.

That made Colson’s interception more of a bright spot for Los Angeles than a genuine turning point.

Still, the Chargers defense produced an important individual moment when the team needed one.

San Francisco Dominates the Second Half

The 49ers’ overall performance overshadowed the Chargers’ defensive highlight.

San Francisco scored 21 unanswered points after Colson’s pick-six, including touchdowns from Khalil Herbert and Martinez before Martinez connected with Watkins. The 49ers eventually finished with a convincing 41-17 victory.

Special teams also played a major role for San Francisco. Jacob Cowing broke loose for an 83-yard punt-return touchdown, giving the 49ers another explosive scoring play.

Why the Play Matters

Preseason statistics do not always translate directly to regular-season production, but Colson’s interception offers an encouraging sign for the Chargers.

His ability to recognize the quarterback’s intentions, attack the passing lane and finish the play with a touchdown highlights the athleticism and instincts that made him an intriguing draft prospect.

More importantly, Colson needs consistent performances after missing an entire season. A memorable play such as Thursday night’s pick-six can provide momentum as he works to earn a larger role.

The Bigger Picture

The Chargers still have plenty to clean up after the loss.

Los Angeles struggled offensively, committed seven penalties and failed to sustain drives against San Francisco. The 49ers’ defense and running game repeatedly put the Chargers under pressure.

But preseason games are also about evaluating individual players, and Colson gave the Chargers coaching staff a reason to be encouraged.

His interception was not enough to change the result, but it was arguably the night’s biggest individual defensive highlight for Los Angeles.

Bottom Line

Junior Colson’s 16-yard pick-six was a reminder of why the Chargers remain interested in his long-term potential.

After missing the 2025 season, the linebacker returned to action and produced a spectacular turnover against Adrian Martinez. The Chargers may have lost 41-17, but Colson’s ability to diagnose the pass and turn it into six points was one of the clearest positives from the night.

For Colson, the next challenge is turning one spectacular preseason moment into consistent production throughout the regular season.

This article is independently written using information from the NFL, Los Angeles Chargers, ESPN and other coverage of the 2026 preseason game. It does not reproduce the wording of the supplied Newspixer article.