A.J. Thomas Bio
A. J. Thomas (born September 18, 1999) is an American professional football safety. He currently plays for the St. Louis Battlehawks of the United Football League (UFL). Thomas played college football at Western Michigan before beginning his professional career in 2022. After going undrafted in the 2022 NFL Draft, he signed with the Chicago Bears before ultimately establishing himself in the UFL.
Standing 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing around 216 pounds, Thomas has built his reputation as a reliable defensive back. His professional journey has included stints with NFL organizations and UFL franchises, where he has earned league-wide recognition for his play. He is widely regarded as a hard-working safety who continues to develop at the professional level.
Early Life and Background
A. J. Thomas was born on September 18, 1999, in Detroit, Michigan. Growing up in one of America’s most passionate football cities gave him early and constant exposure to the sport. Detroit’s strong football culture, both at the youth and high school levels, helped shape his interest in the game from a young age.
Thomas attended the University of Detroit Jesuit High School and Academy, where he developed his skills as a defensive back. The school’s competitive athletic programs provided a strong foundation for his football career. His performances in high school attracted the attention of college recruiters, eventually leading him to continue his football career at the collegiate level.
After completing high school, Thomas enrolled at Western Michigan University, where he played college football for the Western Michigan Broncos from 2017 to 2021. His time at Western Michigan allowed him to refine his technique, football intelligence, and physical conditioning. The college experience prepared him for the next step in his career, the professional level.
Path to American Football
Thomas’s path to professional football began in earnest during his high school years at the University of Detroit Jesuit High School and Academy. There, he earned recognition as a promising safety prospect and attracted interest from several college programs. His combination of size, athleticism, and field awareness made him a notable recruit in the Midwest.
Choosing to attend Western Michigan gave Thomas the opportunity to play at the NCAA Division I level. Over five seasons with the Broncos, he developed into a dependable safety capable of contributing in both pass coverage and run support. His college performance, while not generating national headlines, was strong enough to position him for a chance at the professional level.
Following the 2021 college season, Thomas declared for the 2022 NFL Draft. Despite his years of preparation, he went unselected in the draft. However, his college film and athletic profile were enough to earn him an opportunity as an undrafted free agent, beginning his professional journey in the NFL.
A.J. Thomas Career
Early Career (2022–2023)
After going unselected in the 2022 NFL Draft, A. J. Thomas was signed by the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent. His initial time with the Bears began with a release during the final roster cuts on August 30, 2022. The very next day, he was signed to the team’s practice squad, keeping his professional hopes alive.
Thomas was elevated to the Bears’ active roster on November 29, 2022. He made his NFL debut on December 4, 2022, against the Green Bay Packers, recording one tackle while appearing on 13 defensive snaps. In 2023, he was waived on August 30 and re-signed to the practice squad before being released on October 29, ending his initial NFL chapter.
Birmingham Stallions Breakthrough (2024)
On February 14, 2024, A. J. Thomas signed with the Birmingham Stallions of the United Football League. The move marked a fresh start and an opportunity to play a larger role on a competitive spring football roster. His strong play quickly caught the attention of league observers and coaches.
Thomas was named to the 2024 All-UFL Team on June 5, 2024, recognizing his performance as one of the league’s top safeties. He also led the UFL in interceptions during the 2024 season, establishing himself as a ball-hawking presence in the secondary. The Stallions won the UFL Championship in 2024, giving Thomas his first professional title. His contract with the Stallions was terminated on August 1, 2024, as he pursued another NFL opportunity.
New England Patriots Era (2024)
On August 2, 2024, Thomas signed with the New England Patriots, returning to the NFL. His time in New England was brief, as he was waived on August 27 during final roster cuts. The Patriots, however, quickly re-signed him to their practice squad, allowing him to remain in the organization.
Thomas was released from the Patriots’ practice squad on September 16, 2024, ending his second NFL stint. Despite the short tenure, the experience reinforced his understanding of NFL-level preparation and competition. He soon returned to the UFL to continue his professional development.
Birmingham Stallions Second Stint (2025)
On January 14, 2025, Thomas re-signed with the Birmingham Stallions of the United Football League. His return to Birmingham signaled a reunion with a franchise where he had previously experienced significant success. The familiarity with the coaching staff and defensive scheme positioned him for another productive season.
During the 2025 season, Thomas continued to play a key role in the Stallions’ secondary. On June 4, 2025, however, he was placed on injured reserve, interrupting his campaign. The injury did not derail his career trajectory, as he remained a respected presence within the UFL.
St. Louis Battlehawks Era (2026–Present)
On January 13, 2026, A. J. Thomas was selected by the St. Louis Battlehawks in the 2026 UFL Draft. The selection marked the beginning of a new chapter in his professional career, joining a franchise with growing ambitions within the league. His move to St. Louis was seen as an opportunity to take on an expanded role.
Thomas joined the Battlehawks with momentum from his 2024 All-UFL selection and championship experience. His track record of leading the UFL in interceptions in 2024 made him an attractive selection in the UFL Draft. He is expected to be a key contributor in the Battlehawks’ defensive backfield as the team builds its roster.
Driving Style and Strengths
Thomas is recognized for his physicality and instincts in the secondary. His listed size at 6 feet 2 inches and around 216 pounds allows him to match up well against larger receivers and tight ends. He combines tackling reliability with a nose for the football, as evidenced by his 2024 UFL interception title. His experience across multiple professional systems has also made him a coachable and adaptable defensive back.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Thomas’s career came in 2024 when he was named to the All-UFL Team and led the league in interceptions while helping the Birmingham Stallions win the UFL Championship. His NFL debut against the Green Bay Packers on December 4, 2022, also stands out as a milestone moment. His selection in the 2026 UFL Draft by the St. Louis Battlehawks marks another significant step in his professional journey.
A.J. Thomas Career Wins
Throughout his professional career, A. J. Thomas has earned recognition at both the NFL and UFL levels. His most notable team accomplishment came in 2024, when he was part of the Birmingham Stallions squad that won the UFL Championship. He also earned individual honors that same season, including a place on the All-UFL Team and the UFL interception title.
UFL Highlights
Thomas played a central role in the Birmingham Stallions’ 2024 UFL Championship run. His selection to the All-UFL Team on June 5, 2024, recognized his consistent play throughout the season. Leading the UFL in interceptions that year cemented his reputation as one of the league’s top safeties.
After returning to the Stallions in 2025, Thomas continued to be a key contributor before a midseason injury landed him on injured reserve on June 4, 2025. His selection by the St. Louis Battlehawks in the 2026 UFL Draft on January 13, 2026, opened a new chapter in his UFL career.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond his UFL achievements, Thomas recorded one tackle in his NFL debut with the Chicago Bears on December 4, 2022, against the Green Bay Packers. While his NFL statistics remain limited, his ability to consistently earn professional opportunities reflects his durability and the respect he commands among coaches.
A.J. Thomas Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information about A. J. Thomas’s family background is limited. There are no widely reported details about his parents or any extended family connections to professional football.
Personal Life
Thomas was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, a city deeply connected to football tradition. He attended the University of Detroit Jesuit High School and Academy before continuing his education and football career at Western Michigan University. Public details about his marital status, spouse, or children are not widely documented.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked A. J. Thomas’s return to the Birmingham Stallions after signing on January 14, 2025. Reunited with a familiar franchise, Thomas was expected to build on his 2024 All-UFL campaign and continue as a leader in the secondary. His experience and prior interception title made him a central figure in the Stallions’ defensive plans.
Thomas’s 2025 campaign was interrupted on June 4, 2025, when he was placed on injured reserve. The injury cut short what had been a productive reunion with the Stallions, limiting his availability during the latter portion of the season. Despite the setback, his prior body of work ensured his standing within the UFL remained strong.
Looking ahead, Thomas’s selection by the St. Louis Battlehawks in the 2026 UFL Draft set the stage for the next phase of his professional career. The move to St. Louis provided an opportunity to refresh his career and contribute to a franchise building toward future contention in the UFL.