Bryce Thompson Bio
Bryce Thompson (born September 20, 1999) is an American professional football cornerback for the DC Defenders of the United Football League (UFL). A South Carolina native, Thompson played college football at the University of Tennessee before pursuing a professional career that has taken him through the National Football League and spring football leagues. He is a 2025 UFL champion.
Standing 5 feet 11 inches tall and listed at 187 pounds, Thompson has built his career on positional versatility in the secondary, with experience on practice squads, active rosters, and multiple professional leagues. His path from high school standout to professional titleholder reflects persistence through roster changes and short stints with several organizations.
Early Life and Background
Bryce Thompson was born on September 20, 1999, in Irmo, South Carolina. He grew up in the Midlands region of the state and attended Dutch Fork High School, located in Irmo, where he first developed as a football player. Irmo, a suburb of Columbia, is well known for producing competitive high school football programs, and Thompson emerged from that environment as a promising defensive back.
During his high school years, Thompson spent his freshman and sophomore seasons at Dutch Fork before transferring to Ben Lippen School in Columbia, South Carolina, for his junior year. At Ben Lippen, he led the Falcons to their first state championship in football, an early sign of his leadership on the field. He then returned to Dutch Fork for his senior year and helped the Silver Foxes capture their third state championship, capping a high school career decorated with team success.
Path to American Football
Thompson’s progression toward professional football began with strong showings in high school, where his play at cornerback drew attention from college recruiters. His performances at Dutch Fork and Ben Lippen, including two state championship runs, established him as one of South Carolina’s notable defensive prospects of his class.
He committed to the University of Tennessee, joining a Southeastern Conference program with a tradition of producing NFL defensive backs. At Tennessee, Thompson developed under head coach Jeremy Pruitt, working daily against top-tier collegiate competition. His combination of high school pedigree and SEC experience positioned him for a chance at the next level, and he ultimately chose to enter the NFL draft following his junior season, setting the stage for his professional career.
Bryce Thompson Career
Early Career (2018–2020)
Thompson played at the University of Tennessee from 2018 through 2020 under head coach Jeremy Pruitt. As a freshman in 2018, he started 10 of 12 games and posted the highest grade of any freshman cornerback in the nation, recording three interceptions and seven pass break-ups. That production placed him among the top young defensive backs in college football during his first season.
In his sophomore year, Thompson continued to grow, finishing with three interceptions, 32 tackles, and a sack. As a junior in 2020, he played 10 games and set a career high with 36 tackles, along with two interceptions, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. In January 2021, he announced that he would forego his senior season and declare for the 2021 NFL draft.
New Orleans Saints Era (2021–2022)
After going undrafted in the 2021 NFL draft, Thompson signed with the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent on May 2, 2021. His initial stay with the Saints included a brief move to injured reserve before he was waived and later re-signed to the practice squad on October 5. Thompson made his NFL debut in Week 16 of the 2021 NFL season against the Miami Dolphins, having been activated from the practice squad as a game-day COVID-19 replacement. He signed a reserve/future contract with the Saints on January 12, 2022.
Thompson’s 2022 season with New Orleans was marked by multiple roster moves. He was waived with an injury designation on August 10, placed on injured reserve the next day, and waived from injured reserve on August 15. He rejoined the practice squad on October 5, was promoted to the active roster on October 8, waived on November 1, re-signed to the practice squad, and then promoted and waived again within the same month.
Seattle Sea Dragons and Miami Dolphins (2023)
On January 20, 2023, Thompson signed with the Seattle Sea Dragons of the XFL, beginning his move into spring professional football. He was released from his contract on May 15, 2023, concluding a short stint with the Sea Dragons.
On the same day as his release, May 15, 2023, Thompson signed with the Miami Dolphins of the NFL. He was waived by the Dolphins on August 29, 2023, ending his brief return to an NFL active roster.
San Antonio Brahmas and DC Defenders Era (2023–2025)
On December 26, 2023, Thompson signed with the San Antonio Brahmas of the XFL, continuing his path through spring football. He spent the 2024 season with the Brahmas, contributing at cornerback during the league’s relaunch year.
On November 14, 2024, Thompson was traded to the DC Defenders in exchange for defensive end Jalen Harris. With the Defenders, he joined a competitive UFL roster and was part of the team’s championship run in 2025, earning recognition as a UFL champion. His move to Washington provided a stable role after several years of frequent transitions.
Notable Events and Milestones
Thompson’s career is defined by resilience and adaptation. He made his NFL debut as a COVID-19 replacement in 2021, navigated multiple practice-squad and active-roster moves with the Saints, and transitioned into spring football with the XFL and UFL. His 2025 UFL championship with the DC Defenders stands as his most significant professional achievement to date.
Bryce Thompson Family
Personal Life
Bryce Thompson was raised in Irmo, South Carolina, and has remained connected to his home state throughout his career. He attended Dutch Fork High School and Ben Lippen School during his teenage years, both located in the Columbia metropolitan area. His social media presence is maintained under the handle associated with his public profile.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Bryce Thompson competed for the DC Defenders of the United Football League, where he served as a cornerback on the active roster. His trade from the San Antonio Brahmas in November 2024 positioned him for a full UFL campaign, and he contributed to a defensive unit that helped the Defenders compete at the top of the league standings.
Thompson’s 2025 season was highlighted by the team’s championship run. The Defenders captured the UFL title in 2025, marking Thompson’s first professional championship and a defining moment in his career. His performance throughout the season reflected the consistency he had sought since entering the professional ranks.
Looking ahead, Thompson’s role with the DC Defenders offers stability and the opportunity to build on a championship season. Having experienced multiple teams and leagues, he enters subsequent seasons with a clear roster home and the confidence of a proven contributor on a title-winning squad.