Josh Thompson (defensive back)


Josh Thompson is an American professional football [Safety (gridiron American football|football position)|safety] for the Columbus Aviators of the United Football League. He played college football at Texas.

Early years

Thompson attended Nacogdoches High School in Nacogdoches, Texas. A four-star recruit, he committed to Texas to play college football on July 27, 2016. He chose Texas over, among others, Baylor, Kansas State, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Penn State, and UCLA.

College career

Thompson played at Texas from 2017 to 2021. During his career he had 108 tackles, five tackles for loss, two interceptions, one fumble recovery, one touchdown, and seven pass break-ups in 37 games.

Professional career

Jacksonville Jaguars

On May 2, 2022, Thompson signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent following the 2022 NFL draft. On August 30, 2022, after the final roster cutdown of the preseason, Thompson made the 53-man roster for the 2022 season, but was waived the next day and re-signed to the practice squad.

Tennessee Titans

On October 17, 2022, Thompson was signed by the Tennessee Titans off the Jaguars practice squad. He was placed on injured reserve on November 12, 2022. He was activated on December 10.
On July 23, 2023, Thompson was placed on the active/non-football injury list. He was activated from the active/non-football injury list on August 14, 2023. He was waived on August 28. He was re-signed to the practice squad on November 7. He was not signed to a reserve/future contract and thus became a free agent when his contract expired at the end of the season.

Houston Texans

On January 25, 2024, Thompson signed a reserve/future contract with the Houston Texans. He was waived on April 9.

Atlanta Falcons

On August 12, 2024, Thompson signed with the Atlanta Falcons. He was waived/injured on August 27.
On June 2, 2025, Thompson re-signed with the Falcons. He was waived on August 23.

Columbus Aviators

He was drafted by the Columbus Aviators in the 2nd Day of the 2026 UFL Draft.