Deven Thompkins Bio
Deven Thompkins, born December 23, 1999, in Fort Myers, Florida, is an American professional football wide receiver. He has played in the National Football League (NFL) for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Carolina Panthers, and Atlanta Falcons, and currently plays for the Buffalo Bills. Thompkins played college football for the Utah State Aggies, where he became one of the most productive receivers in school history.
Early Life and Background
Deven Thompkins was born and raised in Fort Myers, Florida, where he developed his passion for football at a young age. He attended Dunbar High School in Fort Myers, where he played high school football and began building the athletic foundation that would later launch his college and professional career. Thompkins grew up in a region of Florida known for producing competitive football talent, and he used his high school years to refine the speed, route-running, and return-game skills that would define his future in the sport.
Standing 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing 155 pounds, Thompkins has always relied on quickness, agility, and a low center of gravity to compete against larger defensive backs. Despite his undersized frame by NFL standards, he built a reputation in high school as a dynamic playmaker with the ball in his hands. His family background and upbringing in Fort Myers helped shape his work ethic and competitive mindset.
Path to Professional Football
Thompkins accepted a scholarship to play college football at Utah State University, where he joined the Utah State Aggies and began his four-season collegiate career. He spent his early college years adjusting to the speed and complexity of the Football Bowl Subdivision level while contributing on offense and special teams. As a sophomore, he emerged as a reliable target, catching 40 passes for 536 yards and four touchdowns, which signaled his potential as a featured receiver.
The 2020 season was shortened due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and Thompkins played in only four games, recording 20 receptions for 214 yards and one touchdown. Following that season, he briefly entered the NCAA transfer portal before ultimately deciding to remain at Utah State for his senior year. That decision proved pivotal, as his 2021 campaign transformed him into one of the top receivers in the Mountain West Conference and a legitimate professional prospect.
Deven Thompkins Career
Early Career (2022–2023)
Deven Thompkins signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent on May 1, 2022, after going unselected in the 2022 NFL Draft. He was waived on August 30, 2022, but was signed to the Buccaneers’ practice squad the very next day, keeping his NFL hopes alive. On December 23, 2022, he was promoted to the active roster and appeared in six games during the regular season, primarily contributing as a return specialist and depth receiver.
During his rookie year, Thompkins caught five passes while also returning six punts for 61 yards and 12 kickoffs for 263 yards. In the Buccaneers’ Wild Card Round playoff loss to the Dallas Cowboys, he returned three kickoffs for 58 yards and three punts for 34 yards, showing his value as a multipurpose special teams contributor. He spent the 2023 season developing further on the Buccaneers’ practice squad before being waived on May 30, 2024.
Carolina Panthers Era (2024)
On July 25, 2024, Thompkins signed with the Carolina Panthers in search of a fresh opportunity. He was waived with an injury designation on August 11, 2024, but he returned to the organization when the Panthers re-signed him to their practice squad on September 30, 2024. After months of patience and rehabilitation, Thompkins was promoted back to the active roster on November 23, 2024, allowing him to reestablish himself at the NFL level.
Atlanta Falcons Era (2025)
Thompkins joined the Atlanta Falcons on September 23, 2025, when he signed with their practice squad. His consistent production on the scout team earned him another promotion, and he was elevated to the active roster on December 6, 2025. Although his time in Atlanta was brief, the stint demonstrated his continued ability to contribute as both a receiver and a return man. He was later released by the Falcons on May 11, 2026.
Buffalo Bills Era (2026–Present)
On June 11, 2026, Thompkins signed with the Buffalo Bills, where he continues his professional career. As an experienced slot receiver and return specialist, he adds depth and playmaking ability to the Bills’ offensive and special teams units. His current roster status is active, and he wears jersey number 38 for the team.
Driving Style and Strengths
Deven Thompkins is recognized for his explosive acceleration, sharp route-running, and dependable hands, all of which are especially effective from the slot position. His compact build and low pad level make him difficult to tackle in open space, particularly on punt and kickoff returns where he has produced more than 1,300 career return yards. Thompkins also demonstrates a high football IQ, allowing him to read coverages and adjust his routes quickly at the line of scrimmage.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Thompkins’ career came during his senior season at Utah State, when he caught 102 passes for 1,704 yards and 10 touchdowns, earning first-team All-Mountain West Conference honors and third-team All-American recognition from the Associated Press in 2021. His first NFL promotion to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ active roster on December 23, 2022, also stood out as a meaningful milestone, coming on his 23rd birthday. He has since built a reputation as a reliable special teams contributor across multiple NFL franchises.
Deven Thompkins Career Wins
Deven Thompkins’ professional career has been built on consistency, versatility, and perseverance rather than on headline win totals. Across his NFL tenure, he has produced 29 receptions for 162 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown, while also accumulating 1,373 return yards on special teams. His contributions have helped multiple organizations, including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Carolina Panthers, and Atlanta Falcons, field competitive offensive and special teams units.
College Career Highlights
Thompkins concluded his Utah State career on a high note, recording 102 receptions for 1,704 yards and 10 touchdowns as a senior in 2021. That production earned him first-team All-Mountain West Conference honors and third-team All-American recognition from the Associated Press, cementing his legacy as one of the most productive receivers in Aggies history. Earlier in his college tenure, he posted 40 catches for 536 yards and four touchdowns as a sophomore, establishing himself as a rising contributor in the Utah State passing attack.
Other Wins and Performances
In addition to his college accolades, Thompkins has posted memorable performances in the NFL, including a productive playoff appearance with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the 2022 postseason. He has recorded 1,373 career return yards across kickoff and punt return duties, a significant milestone for a player who entered the league as an undrafted free agent. His consistent ability to make plays in the return game has been one of his most valuable contributions at the professional level.
Deven Thompkins Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Deven Thompkins was raised in Fort Myers, Florida, where he attended Dunbar High School and began his football journey. He is married to Maria Castilhos, and their personal life has occasionally drawn public attention. On June 21, 2024, Thompkins filed a lawsuit against his estranged wife, Maria Castilhos, alleging malicious and defamatory statements following accusations of physical abuse.
2025 Season Performance
Deven Thompkins’ 2025 campaign began when he signed with the Atlanta Falcons’ practice squad on September 23, 2025, after a year that included a brief stint with the Carolina Panthers. He continued to develop his role as a return specialist and depth receiver, working toward a return to the active roster. His perseverance paid off on December 6, 2025, when the Falcons promoted him to the active roster, giving him another opportunity to contribute at the NFL level.
During his time in Atlanta, Thompkins provided depth in the passing game and remained a dependable option on punt and kickoff returns. Although the Falcons ultimately released him on May 11, 2026, his 2025 season reinforced his value as a versatile special teams contributor. Looking ahead, his signing with the Buffalo Bills on June 11, 2026, suggests continued opportunity to build on his professional resume and contribute to a contending franchise.