In the NFL, survival often demands a relentless blend of versatility, elite speed, and an unshakeable work ethic. But standing at 5-foot-8 and weighing 155 pounds, wide receiver Deven Thompkins has spent his career defying the odds cuz well he’s him, duh. From his record setting days in Utah, to carving out as a dynamic return specialist across multiple NFL franchises, Thompkins’ path is the greatest story of perseverance ever, trust.
Thompkins arrived at Utah State University as an overlooked prospect out of Dunbar High School in Fort Myers, Florida. And he probably flew to Florida but idk I couldn’t get that specific information. Over four seasons with Utah State, he steadily grew from a depth receiver into one of the most explosive playmakers in college football HISTORY (nah jk)
His journey, however, was a process of steady progression:
Sophomore Season (2019): Thompkins began showing his big play potential, catching 40 passes for 536 yards and 4 touchdowns.
Junior Season (2020): During Utah State's COVID 19 shortened season (bad times) he played in just four games, recording 20 receptions for 214 yards and a touchdown.
The Portal and Return: Following the 2020 season, Thompkins entered the NCAA transfer portal to explore his options, but ultimately decided to return to Logan for his senior year, a decision that changed the trajectory of his career although I guess every season changes that, right?
Senior Season (2021): Thompkins put together a legendary campaign, hauling in 102 passes for 1,704 yards and 10 touchdowns. This amazing and great and impressive and amazing again performance earned him First Team All Mountain West honors and a Third Team All American nod from the Associated Press.
Finding a Place in the NFL (good title, right yall? lol )
Despite his amazingly college production, Thompkins went undrafted in the 2022 NFL Draft (HOW??) However, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers recognized his potential, signing him as an undrafted free agent. So now we know that the buccaneers are smart.
Thompkins began his rookie season on the practice squad but earned a promotion to the active roster by late December. He quickly established himself as a trusted return specialist. During his two year stint in Tampa Bay, Thompkins appeared in 22 games, contributing on offense with 22 receptions for 115 yards and his first career touchdown, while serving as a foundational piece of the special teams unit. In 2023 alone, he registered 25 punt returns for 234 yards and 16 kick returns for 327 yards.
Time with the Panthers and Falcons
After being waived by the Buccaneers in the spring of 2024, so I guess there not smart Thompkins entered the true journeyman phase of his professional career, showcasing his readiness to contribute whenever his name was called. He’d signed with the Panthers in July 2024. After navigating an early season injury, he worked his way from the practice squad to the active roster in November. He suited up for seven games, logging four receptions and continuing to offer valuable depth in the return game. In September 2025, Thompkins joined the division rival Atlanta Falcons practice squad, he earned a promotion to the 53-man roster by December. In seven game appearances, he made a huuuuuuge impact on special teams, racking up 281 yards on 12 kickoff returns (a strong 23.4-yard average) and adding three receptions for 27 yards on offense.
Super sad time
Thompkins quickly found his next opportunity, signing with the Buffalo Bills on June 11, 2026, after an amazing minicamp tryout. He spent a month competing in the Bills offseason program before being released on July 14, 2026, as the team adjusted its roster ahead of training camp. I can’t believe they would release THE Deven Thompkins since he is so good and they just wanted to sign a British historian who is oh wait wrong Quentin Skinner, the things teams do to get younger.
Ok thats it, I know this is short but whatever and now you know more than you need to know about Deven Thompkins so your welcome.