Cody Thompson Bio
Cody James Thompson, born on January 11, 1996, in Huron, Ohio, is an American professional football wide receiver. He rose to prominence as a record-setting pass catcher at the University of Toledo before pursuing a career in the National Football League. Listed at 6 feet 2 inches and 205 pounds, Thompson is recognized for his reliability as a depth receiver and special teams contributor.
Despite entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2019, Thompson has built a professional career spanning multiple franchises, including the Kansas City Chiefs, Seattle Seahawks, Cincinnati Bengals, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He is currently a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he continues to compete for a roster spot at the wide receiver position.
Early Life and Background
Cody James Thompson was born and raised in Huron, Ohio, a small city located along the southern shore of Lake Erie. Growing up in a tight-knit Midwestern community, Thompson developed an early passion for football, which became a central part of his youth.
Thompson attended Huron High School, where he played wide receiver and earned recognition as one of the top high school pass catchers in the area. His high school performance drew attention from several college programs, ultimately leading to an opportunity to play at the collegiate level.
Path to American Football
Thompson committed to the University of Toledo, joining the Toledo Rockets football program and beginning his collegiate career in 2014. Over five seasons with the Rockets, he worked his way into a prominent role within the team’s offense, gradually establishing himself as a dependable target in the passing game.
His dedication and on-field production culminated in two First-team All-Mid-American Conference selections in 2016 and 2018, highlighting his standing among the top receivers in the conference. Following his senior season, Thompson declared for the 2019 NFL Draft, where he ultimately went undrafted, setting the stage for his pursuit of a professional career.
Cody Thompson Career
Early Career (2019)
Following the 2019 NFL Draft, Cody James Thompson signed with the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent on May 6, 2019. He competed during training camp and the preseason before being waived during final roster cuts on August 31, 2019. The Chiefs signed him to their practice squad the following day, providing him an opportunity to continue developing within the organization.
Thompson’s tenure in Kansas City ended on October 29, 2019, when he was released. Just two days later, on October 31, 2019, he was signed by the Seattle Seahawks to their practice squad. After a brief stint with the Seahawks, he was released on November 5, 2019, and soon joined the Cincinnati Bengals practice squad on November 19, 2019, rounding out a whirlwind first professional season.
Seattle Seahawks Breakthrough (2019–2023)
Thompson re-signed with the Seattle Seahawks practice squad on January 8, 2020, and signed a reserve/futures contract shortly thereafter. He spent the 2020 season developing within the organization before being waived during final roster cuts in August 2021. He was re-signed to the practice squad the following day, and on September 26, 2021, he was elevated to the active roster for a Week 3 game against the Minnesota Vikings, making his official NFL debut.
After spending time on injured reserve in 2022, Thompson made the Seahawks’ final roster in 2023 as a special teamer and backup wide receiver. On October 2, 2023, he was elevated to the active roster and caught his first regular-season NFL pass, a 10-yard reception against the New York Giants, marking a career milestone. He was later promoted back to the active roster on October 18, 2023, before ultimately becoming a free agent at the end of the season.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Era (2024–Present)
On June 6, 2024, Cody James Thompson signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in search of a fresh opportunity. He participated in training camp and preseason action before being released during roster cuts on August 27, 2024. The following day, he signed with the team’s practice squad, allowing him to remain within the organization.
Thompson’s role with the Buccaneers has centered on providing depth at the wide receiver position while contributing on special teams. As a member of the practice squad, he has continued to develop his craft and prepare for potential elevation to the active roster during the regular season.
Driving Style and Strengths
As a wide receiver, Cody James Thompson has been praised for his precise route-running, dependable hands, and willingness to contribute on special teams. His experience within multiple offensive systems has allowed him to develop a versatile skill set that translates to various roles on game day.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Cody James Thompson’s professional career came on October 2, 2023, when he caught his first regular-season NFL pass, a 10-yard reception against the New York Giants. Additionally, his record-setting 30 touchdown receptions at the University of Toledo stands as a school record and a testament to his scoring ability at the collegiate level.
Cody Thompson Career Wins
While Cody James Thompson has not accumulated a large number of traditional statistical milestones due to his role as a depth receiver and special teamer, his career is defined by perseverance and longevity. His first NFL reception and continued presence on practice squads across multiple teams highlight his commitment to the sport.
Seattle Seahawks Highlights
Thompson’s most productive years came with the Seattle Seahawks, where he made his NFL debut in 2021 and ultimately secured a spot on the final roster in 2023. His first regular-season catch, a 10-yard reception against the New York Giants, stands as a career highlight during his time in Seattle.
Other Wins and Performances
At the collegiate level, Cody James Thompson earned two First-team All-MAC honors in 2016 and 2018, cementing his legacy as one of the top receivers in Toledo Rockets history. His 181 receptions, 3,312 receiving yards, and 30 touchdowns remain part of the program’s record books.
Cody Thompson Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Details regarding Cody James Thompson’s immediate family and personal background remain largely private. Public information about his parents and upbringing in Huron, Ohio, is limited, with Thompson focusing public attention on his football career rather than his personal life.
Personal Life
Cody James Thompson has not publicly disclosed details regarding a spouse or children. He maintains an active presence on social media platforms, where fans can follow his professional journey and updates from his ongoing career in the NFL.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into the 2025 season, Cody James Thompson remains a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers organization as he continues to compete for a role on the active roster. His familiarity with the team’s offensive system, developed during the 2024 season, positions him as a potential contributor on special teams and as a depth option at wide receiver.
Thompson’s primary objectives for the 2025 season include securing a spot on the Buccaneers’ 53-man roster and contributing meaningfully to the team’s offensive and special teams units. His experience and work ethic remain valuable assets as he navigates another competitive training camp.
As the 2025 NFL season approaches, Cody James Thompson’s journey reflects the perseverance of an undrafted free agent who has continued to pursue his professional football career across multiple organizations. His continued presence with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offers another opportunity to demonstrate his capabilities at the highest level of the sport.