BJ Thompson Bio
Brandon Lamar Thompson Jr., known professionally 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 approximately 110 kilograms, he has built his career as a pass rusher at both the collegiate and professional levels. Thompson most recently played for the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League (CFL) after beginning his National Football League (NFL) career with the Kansas City Chiefs. He entered professional football as a fifth-round selection in the 2023 NFL Draft and quickly reached the sport’s biggest stage, earning a Super Bowl championship ring as a rookie.
Early Life and Background
Brandon Lamar Thompson Jr. was born and raised in England, a small city in Lonoke County, Arkansas. Growing up in a tight-knit community in the southern part of the United States, he was surrounded by a strong football culture that helped shape his early athletic interests. From a young age, Thompson displayed the physical traits and athletic ability that would later define his playing style, including a tall frame and natural strength that set him apart from his peers.
Thompson attended England High School, where he developed into a promising defensive prospect. His performances on the high school gridiron attracted the attention of college recruiters, and he ultimately chose to continue his football career at the collegiate level. The foundation he built in Arkansas during his formative years prepared him for the demands of major college football.
Path to American Football
Thompson began his college football journey at Baylor University, where he played for two seasons with the Baylor Bears. During his time in Waco, he recorded 18 tackles, six tackles for loss, five sacks, and two pass deflections, showing flashes of the disruptive pass-rushing ability that would become his trademark. His production at Baylor gave him valuable experience competing in a Power Five conference.
In 2019, Thompson transferred to Stephen F. Austin State University to join the Lumberjacks. The move allowed him to take on a larger role within the defense, and he responded with consistent performances that earned him recognition within the Western Athletic Conference (WAC). He was named First-team All-WAC in both 2021 and 2022, cementing his status as one of the top defensive linemen at the conference level. His success at Stephen F. Austin ultimately positioned him for an opportunity in the NFL.
BJ Thompson Career
Early Career (2023)
Thompson’s professional career began when he was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the fifth round, 166th overall, of the 2023 NFL Draft. Joining a Chiefs roster known for its defensive depth and championship ambitions, he competed for a role along the defensive line from the outset of his rookie season. Although his statistical contributions as a rookie were limited, Thompson was part of a team that steadily built momentum through the regular season and postseason.
The defining moment of his rookie year came on February 11, 2024, when the Chiefs faced the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas. Thompson was a member of the championship roster, and Kansas City emerged victorious to claim the Lombardi Trophy. At just 24 years old, Thompson became a Super Bowl champion in his first professional season, an achievement that few rookies ever experience.
Kansas City Chiefs Era (2023–2025)
Thompson’s tenure with the Kansas City Chiefs was marked by both triumph and adversity. Shortly after the Super Bowl win, on June 6, 2024, he suffered a cardiac arrest following a seizure during a team meeting. He was transported to a local hospital and was reported to be in stable condition. The incident led to Thompson being placed on the reserve/non-football injury list to begin the 2024 season, keeping him away from the field as he focused on recovery.
After spending time away from the team during the 2024 season, Thompson was released by the Kansas City Chiefs on May 3, 2025. His time in Kansas City, though brief, included a championship and a significant test of personal resilience, and it remains the launching point for the next phase of his professional journey.
Calgary Stampeders Era (2025)
On September 22, 2025, Thompson signed with the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League, beginning a new chapter in his professional career. He spent the remainder of the CFL season on the Stampeders’ practice roster, working to adapt to the Canadian game and re-establish his rhythm as an active player. His contract with Calgary expired on November 2, 2025, concluding his initial CFL stint.
Thompson’s move to Calgary reflected his determination to continue playing professional football following his medical recovery. Joining the Stampeders, one of the CFL’s most historic franchises, gave him the opportunity to compete in a different league and showcase his skills on an international stage. His professional journey remains ongoing, with the possibility of further opportunities in either the CFL or NFL.
Driving Style and Strengths
Thompson’s game is built on his imposing physical frame, standing 6 feet 6 inches with a listed weight of around 110 kilograms, which gives him the length and leverage to challenge offensive tackles. As a defensive end, he is valued for his ability to disrupt passing lanes and generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks, traits he demonstrated throughout his college career at both Baylor and Stephen F. Austin. His experience working within multiple defensive schemes, from the Power Five level to the WAC, has helped him develop a versatile skill set that can fit a variety of professional defensive systems.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the most significant milestones of Thompson’s career came in Super Bowl LVIII, when he earned a championship ring as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs in his rookie season. He was also recognized for his standout college play with back-to-back First-team All-WAC selections in 2021 and 2022 while at Stephen F. Austin. Off the field, his recovery from a cardiac arrest in June 2024 stands as a defining personal milestone, demonstrating his resilience and commitment to returning to professional football.
BJ Thompson Career Wins
BJ Thompson’s most prominent team achievement is his Super Bowl LVIII championship, earned as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs following the 2023 NFL season. His selection in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft also stands as a notable career milestone, marking the transition from collegiate standout to professional player. While his individual sack and tackle totals at the professional level are limited in public records, his championship hardware remains the headline accomplishment of his early career.
Kansas City Chiefs Highlights
Thompson’s tenure with the Kansas City Chiefs featured one of the most celebrated outcomes in all of professional sports: a Super Bowl title. As a rookie on the championship roster, he was part of a Chiefs team that defeated the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII, a victory that cemented Kansas City’s dynasty status. His time in Kansas City was cut short by a medical emergency in 2024, but his place on the championship squad remains a permanent part of his professional legacy.
Other Wins and Performances
At the college level, Thompson earned First-team All-WAC honors in both 2021 and 2022, recognizing his consistent production as a defensive end for the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks. These selections represent the highest individual conference recognition of his playing career to date and underscored his dominance at the WAC level.
BJ Thompson Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
BJ Thompson was raised in England, Arkansas, a community where high school football holds deep cultural significance. Public details about his immediate family, including parents and siblings, are not widely documented in available sources.
Personal Life
Thompson’s personal life has remained relatively private, with limited publicly verified information about his relationships or family beyond his upbringing in Arkansas. His public presence is largely centered on his football career and his recovery from a cardiac arrest suffered in 2024, an event that drew significant support from teammates, fans, and the broader football community.
2025 Season Performance
Thompson’s 2025 season was defined by transition, both in league and in role. After being released by the Kansas City Chiefs on May 3, 2025, he signed with the Calgary Stampeders on September 22, 2025, joining the CFL mid-season. He spent the remainder of the campaign on the Stampeders’ practice roster, focusing on adjustment and conditioning rather than game-day appearances.
His contract with Calgary expired on November 2, 2025, officially closing the chapter on his first CFL season. The year marked a period of reinvention for Thompson as he navigated a new league, a new country, and a new football environment while continuing to build toward a full return to game action.
Looking ahead, Thompson’s performance in 2025 laid the groundwork for potential future opportunities, whether back in the CFL, in the NFL, or elsewhere. His combination of size, prior championship experience, and demonstrated resilience following his medical recovery positions him as a prospect capable of contributing at the professional level once again.