Receiver Zavion Thomas, the 89th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, talks with ChicagoBears.com about his favorite memory from his college career, his singing talents, why he has the NFL shield tattooed on his arm and more.
What are you most excited to see or do in Chicago?
Outside of football, just exploring the city, going downtown. I had seen something on TikTok, I forgot what it was called, but it's like a big silver thing.
The Bean?
Yeah, The Bean, yeah. I want to go experience that.
Describe your draft night in 3 words.
Surreal, exciting and blessed.
What was your favorite college football memory?
Probably my first touchdown. My first touchdown versus Georgia, when I was a freshman at Mississippi State.
What do you remember about it?
I remember just catching a punt with a couple seconds left going into halftime. We played a good first half. This was when Georgia was the No. 1 team in the nation. And my teammate came to me like, "it's coming right here." And I saw how the punt came. I saw it bounce on the ground, and I was like, "yeah." It was crazy.
Who introduced you to football and when?
I kind of think I introduced it to myself in a way. Just going outside, playing with friends and stuff like that. I've been playing since I was 6 years old. Ever since I was 6, every year of my life, I've been playing football.
When did you first watch the NFL?
Around 8 years old, I used to always get up on Sunday with my papa, go to his little ballroom and watch every game with him. He was a diehard Saints fan. He's born and raised in New Orleans. So I used to go sit down with him about 10:30, watch NFL on FOX until 12 then watch the first game. I've been doing that since I was 8 years old.
What is a hidden talent of yours?
I think I can sing a little bit. My dad knows how to sing a little bit, too.
What would be your karaoke song?
That's a good question. It's gotta be something that came out in like the 2010s. Who was popping in the 2010s? Like John Legend, Pharrell Williams? CeeLo Green? Remember that one song, Forget You? Yeah, that one.
What is your guilty pleasure song?
WYD Now? by Sadie Jean. Not gonna lie, I sing this song all the time. Rod Wave sampled it.
Who were your sports idols growing up?
Odell Beckham. LeBron. Tavon Austin. Braxton Miller.
You have the NFL shield tattooed on your arm. When did you get it and why?
I got it at 16. I got it because my dad and my uncle, they have "HFL" on their arms and that's basically where they grew up – Harvey, Louisiana. So when I saw their tattoo, I was thinking it was NFL, and I'm going to the NFL, so I was like, "all right, y'all got HFL, I'm putting NFL."
What is the best advice you've ever received?
I have a few: Don't let anybody tell you what you can't do. Anything is possible when God is in your life. Be where your feet are.
