BJ Thompson and Xavier Gipson Enter The NFL on the Final Day of the 2023 NFL Draft
4/29/2023 10:49:00 PM | Football
KANSAS CITY, Missouri - Etching their names into the SFA history books once again, Lumberjack football legends BJ Thompson and Xavier Gipson have entered the NFL. Thompson was selected with the 166th pick in the 2023 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs. Gipson was signed moments after the draft as an undrafted free agent to the New York Jets.
The Thompson File
As a transfer from Baylor, Thompson comes from England High School in Arkansas. In his two seasons at SFA, Thompson finished his career with 69 total tackles, 20.5 sacks, 5 forced fumbles, 4 fumble recoveries, and one interception. Through his career, he collected numerous accolades including being named to the 2022 Stats Perform FCS All-America third team and 2022 All-WAC First Team.
Thompson is the 31st Lumberjack to enter the NFL as a draft pick since 1960.
Coach Carthel's Thoughts
"Really excited for BJ, as he's more than earned this opportunity! It's been so much fun to watch him grow and mature, both on and off the field, over the last four years within our program! The best thing about him getting drafted today is that he's already got his SFA degree in hand, as he graduated last December."
The Gipson File
Playing all four of his seasons in the Purple and White, Gipson was a prolific member of the Lumberjacks offensive attack. With 4 All-American nods to end his career as a Lumberjack, Gipson walked away from Nacogdoches as one of the best FCS Wide Receivers statistically. Finishing his collegiate career with 4,311 receiving yards (4th all-time in WAC history), 37 receiving touchdowns (5th all-time in WAC history), and 4 punt return touchdowns.
Coach Carthel's Thoughts
"So happy for Xavier, as he's always done things the right way! He's the most decorated WR in SFA Football history, who stayed true to this team his entire career. I truly believe he will have a long and productive NFL career. And it will be fun cheering him and JFM (John Franklin-Myers) together, since we now have two 'Jacks on the Jets team!"
The New York Jets are set to host the Kansas City Chiefs during the 2023 season with a date and time yet to be determined.
The Thompson File
As a transfer from Baylor, Thompson comes from England High School in Arkansas. In his two seasons at SFA, Thompson finished his career with 69 total tackles, 20.5 sacks, 5 forced fumbles, 4 fumble recoveries, and one interception. Through his career, he collected numerous accolades including being named to the 2022 Stats Perform FCS All-America third team and 2022 All-WAC First Team.
Thompson is the 31st Lumberjack to enter the NFL as a draft pick since 1960.
Coach Carthel's Thoughts
"Really excited for BJ, as he's more than earned this opportunity! It's been so much fun to watch him grow and mature, both on and off the field, over the last four years within our program! The best thing about him getting drafted today is that he's already got his SFA degree in hand, as he graduated last December."
The Gipson File
Playing all four of his seasons in the Purple and White, Gipson was a prolific member of the Lumberjacks offensive attack. With 4 All-American nods to end his career as a Lumberjack, Gipson walked away from Nacogdoches as one of the best FCS Wide Receivers statistically. Finishing his collegiate career with 4,311 receiving yards (4th all-time in WAC history), 37 receiving touchdowns (5th all-time in WAC history), and 4 punt return touchdowns.
Coach Carthel's Thoughts
"So happy for Xavier, as he's always done things the right way! He's the most decorated WR in SFA Football history, who stayed true to this team his entire career. I truly believe he will have a long and productive NFL career. And it will be fun cheering him and JFM (John Franklin-Myers) together, since we now have two 'Jacks on the Jets team!"
The New York Jets are set to host the Kansas City Chiefs during the 2023 season with a date and time yet to be determined.
Players Mentioned
WR
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