Efton Chism

Efton Chism III (; born October 26, 2001) is an American professional football wide receiver and kickoff returner for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Eastern Washington Eagles.

Early life Chism attended Monroe High School in Monroe, Washington, and committed to play college football for the Eastern Washington Eagles.

College career In his first two collegiate season in 2020 and 2021, Chism made 87 catches for 1,075 yards and 12 touchdowns in 21 games for the Eagles. In 2022, he made ten starts and notched 62 catches for 607 yards and six touchdowns. In 2023, Chism hauled in 84 passes for 932 yards and eight touchdowns, earning FCS third-team all-American honors. In the 2024 season opener, he tallied 12 receptions for 173 yards and three touchdowns in a win over Monmouth. In week 12, Chism hauled in 12 receptions for 157 yards and a touchdown in a win over Idaho State. In the 2024 regular season finale, he set the program single-season receptions record on a 67-yard touchdown reception, which had been held by Cooper Kupp. Chism finished the 2024 season with 120 receptions for 1,311 yards and 13 touchdowns, earning FCS first-team All-American honors. After the season, he declared for the 2025 NFL draft and accepted invitations to participate in the 2025 Hula Bowl and the 2025 East-West Shrine Bowl.

College statistics Season Team GP Receiving Rec R/G Yds Y/G Avg Lng TD 2020 Eastern Washington 7 23 3.3 267 38.1 11.6 26 1 2021 Eastern Washington 13 57 4.4 735 56.5 12.9 36 9 2022 Eastern Washington 10 62 6.2 607 60.7 9.8 50 6 2023 Eastern Washington 11 84 7.6 932 84.7 11.1 46 8 2024 Eastern Washington 12 120 10.0 1,311 109.3 10.9 67 13 Total 53 346 6.5 3,852 72.7 11.1 67 37

Professional career

In the months leading up to the 2025 NFL draft, Chism had visits with six teams. On May 9, 2025, Chism signed with the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent after going unselected in the 2025 NFL draft, citing a recruitment call from head coach Mike Vrabel and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels' work with "undersized receivers" among the factors in his decision. Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton also pursued Chism in the UDFA process. The Patriots gave Chism a $25,000 signing bonus and an additional $234,000 in guaranteed salary; his $259,000 in guarantees is more than any of the Patriots' seventh-round draft picks received.

Chism was inactive for the first five games, while working extensively with the Patriots scout team in practices. Chism made his debut in Week 6 against the New Orleans Saints, in which he played as a kick returner. In Week 17 against the New York Jets, with Kayshon Boutte and Mack Hollins injured, Chism had the first regular-season catches of his NFL career. He caught both of the passes targeted at him, a 30-yard pass and a 10-yard touchdown from Drake Maye in the Patriots' 42–10 blowout win.

Personal life Chism is the nephew of former FCS All-American linebacker Derek Strey.