Zavion Thomas

Zavion R. Thomas (born February 14, 2004) is an American professional football wide receiver and kickoff returner for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Mississippi State Bulldogs and LSU Tigers and was selected by the Bears in the third round of the 2026 NFL draft.

Early life Thomas attended John Ehret High School in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana. As a senior, he had 37 receptions for 1,025 receiving yards, 18 receiving touchdowns, 779 rushing yards, six rushing touchdowns and three punt returns for a touchdown. He committed to Mississippi State University to play college football.

College career Thomas played in 11 games as a true freshman at Mississippi State in 2022 and was named a freshman All-American as a punt returner after returning 15 punts for 202 yards and a touchdown. He entered the transfer portal after the season, but returned to Mississippi State for his sophomore year in 2023. Thomas started 8 of 11 games that season, recording 40 receptions for 503 yards and one touchdown. After the season, he entered the transfer portal again and transferred to Louisiana State University (LSU). In his first year at LSU in 2024, Thomas started 3 of 13 games and made 23 receptions for 218 yards with two touchdowns. He returned to LSU for his senior year in 2025.

Statistics Year Team GP Receiving Rec Yds Avg TD 2022 Mississippi State 11 2 4 2.0 0 2023 Mississippi State 11 40 503 12.6 1 2024 LSU 13 23 218 9.5 2 2025 LSU 13 41 488 11.9 4Career 48 106 1,213 11.4 7

Professional career

Thomas was selected by the Chicago Bears in the third round, 89th overall, of the 2026 NFL draft. He signed his rookie contract on May 8.

Personal life Thomas is related to NFL running back Walter Payton.