FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – Eastern Washington wide receivers have a major mark on the NFL, from Super Bowl MVP Cooper Kupp to nine-year league vet Kendrick Bourne.
Efton Chism III is the next man up in this Eags legacy.
“Just literally to be here,” Chism said. “I don’t think there’s one little thing I can pinpoint that I’m really grateful for in these situations, but I think the biggest one is literally just to walk in this building each and every day.”
Chism declared for the 2025 NFL draft, but all 32 teams passed, until the New England Patriots took a flier on the deep threat as an undrafted free agent.
“I’m so thankful Coach Vrabel gave me an opportunity to be here, and that he trusts me to go out there and live the identity and play to the idea that we have,” Chism said.
Chism shined through fall camp and the preseason, earning a role on the active 53-man roster when week one rolled around.
“Finally just getting the opportunity and taking advantage of it,” Chism said. “I can’t thank my coaches and my teammates enough for believing in me and giving me that opportunity. It’s been special. Filled with many highs and many lows, just blessed to be here.”
He’s learned under surprise MVP candidate quarterback Drake Maye and fellow rookie wide receiver former WSU Cougar Kyle Williams.
“It’s a crazy, small world that we ended up over here, but it’s been awesome having him here, because we get to lean on each other, push each other, get each other better each and every day, and I know that it’s cool to see him grow and for me to try and grow with him as well,” Chism said.
The Patriots sit at 10-2 for sole first place position in the AFC, their best record this deep into a season since December 2019 with legendary Tom Brady under center.
“I’d say just a different and special team to be around,” Chism said. “We’re not taking our record for granted, but we’re also not living in that record.”
Now Chism prepares to continue to earn snaps, serving as the primary kick returner for five games this season.
“Just continue to harp on those little things and make sure that I’m not getting complacent with just getting a couple snaps here and there and myself,” Chism said. “So, always just chasing that.”
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