BJ Thompson Bio
Brandon Lamar Thompson Jr., commonly known as BJ Thompson, is an American professional football defensive end born on March 23, 1999, in England, Arkansas. Standing 6 feet 6 inches tall and weighing around 243 pounds, he combines rare size with the athleticism needed to pressure quarterbacks at the highest levels of the sport. Thompson rose from small-town Arkansas roots to compete in both the National Football League and the Canadian Football League. Over the course of his young career, he has earned recognition as a Super Bowl champion and a two-time First-team All-Western Athletic Conference selection.
After beginning his college career at Baylor, Thompson transferred to Stephen F. Austin, where he became one of the most disruptive defensive players in the conference. He was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL draft and immediately became part of a championship roster. Following his time in Kansas City, Thompson signed with the Calgary Stampeders in 2025 and later had a brief stint with the Edmonton Elks in 2026, continuing his professional journey north of the border.
Early Life and Background
Brandon Lamar Thompson Jr. was born and raised in England, Arkansas, a small community in Lonoke County that has produced several notable athletes. Growing up in a tight-knit Southern town, he was surrounded by family and a strong local football tradition that shaped his early interest in the sport. From a young age, Thompson showed the physical attributes and competitive drive that would later define his career as a defensive lineman.
Thompson attended England High School, where he developed into a promising defensive prospect. His performance at the high school level earned him the attention of college recruiters, and he ultimately committed to Baylor University to continue both his education and his football career. His upbringing in Arkansas, combined with the discipline instilled through youth football, laid the foundation for the work ethic that would carry him through the transition to collegiate and professional play.
Path to American Football
Thompson’s path to professional football began in earnest when he enrolled at Baylor in 2017. As a member of the Baylor Bears, he spent two seasons developing his technique and physical conditioning at the FBS level. During his time with the Bears, he recorded 18 tackles, six tackles for loss, five sacks, and two pass deflections, demonstrating the disruptive potential that would later attract professional scouts.
In 2019, Thompson made the decision to transfer to Stephen F. Austin, an FCS program where he could take on a larger role within the defensive scheme. The move proved transformative. Playing for the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks from 2019 through 2022, he quickly became a cornerstone of the defense. His standout play in the Western Athletic Conference earned him First-team All-WAC honors in both 2021 and 2022, cementing his status as one of the top defensive ends at the FCS level.
BJ Thompson Career
Early Career (2023)
Thompson entered the 2023 NFL draft after a decorated college career and was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the fifth round, 166th overall. The Chiefs, known for developing defensive talent within a winning culture, offered him an immediate opportunity to contribute on special teams and as a rotational defensive end. His rookie season placed him on a roster loaded with veteran talent and competing for the highest prize in American football.
Thompson’s first year in the NFL culminated in a championship. As a member of the Chiefs’ roster, he was part of the team that defeated the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII, earning him a Super Bowl ring in his debut season. The experience of winning a title as a rookie provided a strong foundation for his professional development.
Kansas City Chiefs Breakthrough (2023–2024)
Thompson’s tenure with the Chiefs began promisingly, with a championship in his rookie year and continued involvement in the team’s defensive rotations. On June 6, 2024, however, he suffered a cardiac arrest after having a seizure during a team meeting. He was transported to a local hospital and was reported to be in stable condition. Thompson was subsequently placed on the reserve/non-football injury list to begin the 2024 season as he focused on recovery.
Despite the setback, Thompson remained under contract with Kansas City into the following offseason. On May 3, 2025, the Chiefs released him, opening the door for the next chapter of his professional career. His time in Kansas City, though marked by both triumph and adversity, helped establish his identity as a resilient professional athlete.
Calgary Stampeders Era (2025)
On September 22, 2025, Thompson signed with the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League, marking his first venture outside the NFL. The move provided an opportunity to return to the field and showcase his skills in a different professional environment. He spent the remainder of the CFL season on the Stampeders’ practice roster, working to refine his game and adjust to the Canadian style of play.
Thompson’s contract with Calgary expired on November 2, 2025, bringing his tenure with the Stampeders to a close. The experience offered him valuable reps and exposure to a new football culture as he continued pursuing his professional career.
Edmonton Elks (2026)
On May 17, 2026, Thompson signed with the Edmonton Elks, another CFL franchise seeking to bolster its defensive line. The signing represented yet another fresh opportunity for Thompson to compete at a high level. He was released by the Elks on May 31, as part of final roster cuts, concluding his brief stint with the organization.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the defining moments of Thompson’s career is his Super Bowl LVIII championship with the Kansas City Chiefs in his rookie season, a rare achievement for a fifth-round draft pick. His two First-team All-WAC selections at Stephen F. Austin also stand as major milestones, reflecting his dominance at the collegiate level. The cardiac arrest incident in 2024 and his subsequent recovery highlighted both the challenges and the resilience that have come to define his professional journey.
BJ Thompson Career Wins
Thompson’s most significant career win came in February 2024, when he was part of the Kansas City Chiefs roster that defeated the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII. That championship cemented his name on one of the most prestigious lists in professional football and validated the Chiefs’ decision to draft him in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL draft.
College and Professional Highlights
At Stephen F. Austin, Thompson earned First-team All-WAC honors in both 2021 and 2022, the highest individual recognition awarded by the conference. Those selections reflected his consistent production and leadership on the Lumberjacks’ defensive front. Combined with his Super Bowl championship, they form the cornerstone of a résumé that continues to grow as he pursues opportunities across professional football.
BJ Thompson Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Details about BJ Thompson’s family background remain largely outside the public record. Born and raised in England, Arkansas, he grew up in a community where football is a central part of local life, and his development as an athlete was supported by that environment. Further information about his parents or siblings has not been widely documented in available sources.
Personal Life
Thompson maintains an active presence on social media, where fans can follow his career through his accounts on X and Instagram. As of available records, he is not publicly known to be married, and details about long-term partners or children have not been confirmed. His professional journey, from England, Arkansas to the NFL and CFL, continues to be the most prominent aspect of his public profile.
2025 Season Performance
Thompson’s 2025 season was defined by a transition between professional leagues and organizations. After being released by the Kansas City Chiefs on May 3, 2025, he remained a free agent through the summer months, awaiting the right opportunity to return to competitive football. His eventual signing with the Calgary Stampeders on September 22, 2025, marked the start of his CFL chapter.
With the Stampeders, Thompson spent the remainder of the season working primarily on the practice roster as he adjusted to the Canadian game and worked to earn a larger role. His contract with Calgary expired on November 2, 2025, ending his first CFL campaign. The experience allowed him to maintain his conditioning and continue refining his craft in a professional setting.
Looking ahead from 2025, Thompson’s outlook centered on securing a more prominent role, whether back in the CFL or with another professional franchise. His combination of size, collegiate accolades, and championship experience at the NFL level positioned him as an intriguing prospect for teams seeking depth and disruption along the defensive line. His subsequent signing with the Edmonton Elks in May 2026 reflected that continued pursuit of opportunity and competitive football.