A.J. Thomas Bio
A. J. Thomas (born September 18, 1999) is an American professional football safety for the Birmingham Stallions of the United Football League (UFL). Standing 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing around 215 pounds, he plays the defensive back position with a physical, run-support style that has shaped his professional trajectory. After going undrafted in the 2022 NFL Draft, Thomas signed with the Chicago Bears before eventually establishing himself as a starter in the UFL.
Early Life and Background
A. J. Thomas was born on September 18, 1999, in Detroit, Michigan, and grew up in the same city that produced generations of football talent. He attended University of Detroit Jesuit High School and Academy, a college preparatory school with a respected athletic tradition. The Detroit area’s deep football culture provided an early and constant exposure to the sport, helping shape his development as a defensive back.
Thomas developed into a Division I recruit during his high school years and committed to Western Michigan University, where he continued his football career at the collegiate level. His path from a Jesuit high school program in Detroit to a Mid-American Conference (MAC) roster reflected steady progression rather than overnight stardom. The combination of strong coaching at the prep level and disciplined academic expectations at a Jesuit institution helped ground his approach to the game.
Path to American Football
Thomas played college football at Western Michigan, joining a program that has produced multiple NFL players over the years. As a member of the Broncos, he worked to develop the coverage and tackling skills that would later define his professional profile. His time at Western Michigan gave him the game experience needed to pursue a professional career following his senior season.
Entering the 2022 NFL Draft cycle, Thomas was not selected by any team, making him an undrafted free agent. He signed with the Chicago Bears, earning his first opportunity at the professional level through a post-draft contract rather than a draft selection. The transition from a Group of Five conference to an NFL training camp marked a significant step in his career trajectory.
A.J. Thomas Career
Early Career (2022–2023)
Thomas signed with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent shortly after the 2022 NFL Draft. His initial stint with the organization was brief, as he was released on August 30 during the final roster cuts. He was signed to the practice squad the very next day, keeping him within the Bears’ developmental system.
On November 29, 2022, Thomas was elevated to the active roster, and on December 4 he made his NFL debut against the Green Bay Packers. In that appearance, he recorded one tackle while playing 13 defensive snaps. In 2023, Thomas was waived on August 30 during roster cuts and re-signed to the practice squad, but was released on October 29, ending his second stint with Chicago.
Birmingham Stallions Breakthrough (2024)
On February 14, 2024, Thomas signed with the Birmingham Stallions of the United Football League, beginning the most productive stretch of his professional career. Playing as a safety in the UFL’s spring season, he quickly established himself as one of the league’s premier defensive backs. His performance during the 2024 season elevated his profile considerably and earned him league-wide recognition.
On June 5, 2024, Thomas was named to the 2024 All-UFL team, an honor that recognized his impact across the season. He also led the league in interceptions during the 2024 campaign, finishing the year as the UFL interception leader. His contributions helped Birmingham capture the UFL championship in 2024, giving Thomas his first professional title.
New England Patriots Era (2024)
Following the conclusion of the UFL spring season, Thomas’s contract with the Stallions was terminated on August 1, 2024. The next day, on August 2, 2024, he signed with the New England Patriots in a return to the NFL. The opportunity reflected how his UFL production had drawn the attention of traditional NFL franchises.
Thomas was waived by New England on August 27 and re-signed to the practice squad shortly thereafter. He was released on September 16, 2024, ending his brief time with the Patriots. The short NFL stint did not derail his development, and it positioned him for a return to the league where he had found his greatest success.
Birmingham Stallions Era (2025–Present)
On January 14, 2025, Thomas re-signed with the Birmingham Stallions of the UFL, beginning his second stint with the organization. The move reunited him with the defensive scheme in which he had thrived a year earlier. His return signaled the Stallions’ confidence in his ability to anchor the secondary.
On June 4, 2025, Thomas was placed on injured reserve, interrupting his 2025 campaign. Despite the setback, he remained under contract with Birmingham as he worked toward recovery. The team continued to count on his veteran presence in the defensive backfield once healthy.
Notable Events and Milestones
Thomas’s signature professional moment came during the 2024 UFL season, when he led the league in interceptions and helped Birmingham win the UFL championship. His selection to the 2024 All-UFL team formalized what had become a dominant year. The transition from undrafted free agent in 2022 to champion and league interception leader in 2024 marked the most dramatic arc of his career.
A.J. Thomas Career Wins
Thomas’s verified professional achievements include the 2024 UFL championship, the 2024 All-UFL team selection, and the 2024 UFL interception title. Those honors reflect his transition from an undrafted rookie searching for a roster spot to a championship-caliber safety. Each milestone was earned during his time with the Birmingham Stallions.
UFL Highlights
During the 2024 UFL season with the Birmingham Stallions, Thomas led the league in interceptions and was selected to the All-UFL team. He then helped Birmingham capture the UFL championship that same year. Those accomplishments established him as one of the top safeties in the spring football landscape.
Other Wins & Performances
Thomas made his NFL debut on December 4, 2022, against the Green Bay Packers, recording one tackle in 13 defensive snaps. While his time with the Bears and Patriots was brief, each opportunity represented a measurable step forward for a player who entered the league without a draft selection.
A.J. Thomas Family
Family Background and Football Roots
Thomas grew up in Detroit, Michigan, a city with a deep and storied football tradition. He attended University of Detroit Jesuit High School and Academy, a school known for both academic rigor and competitive athletics. His upbringing in the Detroit football scene helped foster his early interest in the sport.
Personal Life
Public details about Thomas’s personal and family life beyond his Detroit roots and high school background are not widely documented. He has kept much of his private life out of the public eye while focusing on his professional football career.
2025 Season Performance
Thomas re-signed with the Birmingham Stallions on January 14, 2025, returning to the team where he had enjoyed his most productive professional season the year before. The reunion was built on his 2024 UFL championship run and his status as the league’s interception leader. Early in the 2025 campaign, he continued to play a prominent role in Birmingham’s secondary.
On June 4, 2025, Thomas was placed on injured reserve, a setback that interrupted his season. The move came as Birmingham continued to compete in the UFL’s spring schedule. His absence tested the depth of the Stallions’ defensive backfield during a critical stretch.
Looking ahead, Thomas remains under contract with the Birmingham Stallions and is expected to remain a central figure in the team’s defensive plans once he returns from injured reserve. His 2024 production, including the UFL title, All-UFL selection, and interception crown, gives Birmingham a clear foundation to build around. The 2025 season will determine whether his championship-level form continues into the next phase of his professional career.