FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Add another Eagle legend to the professional ranks as
Efton Chism III signed with the New England Patriots today as an undrafted free agent. Chism moves to the east coast after finishing his record-breaking senior season in the fall of 2024. The Monroe, Wash. native will begin his professional career with former Eastern Washington wide receiver Kendrick Bourne, who is also currently on New England's roster.
Chism finished his collegiate career in 2024, breaking Cooper Kupp's single season reception record, with 120 catches, which led both the Big Sky and the FCS. He also led the conference and was second in the nation with 1311 yards, while catching 13 touchdowns - first in the Big Sky and fifth in the FCS.
In his final collegiate game against Northern Arizona, Chism caught a pass for the 53rd consecutive game, breaking Kupp's FCS record for consecutive games with a reception (52). During the game against the Lumberjacks, Chism ripped off a 67-yard reception for a touchdown, a career-long and the third 60-plus yard catch of his season.
Through the 2024 campaign, Chism set career-bests in yards with 173 against Monmouth (8/29) and receptions with 15 against UC Davis (10/19). He matched his career-best in touchdowns with three scores against both Monmouth and Montana (9/28).
Chism swept the postseason award circuit, earning six first team All-American Awards, along with being named to the All-Big Sky first team. The AP, Stats Perform FCS, AFCA, Phil Steele FCS, FCS Football Central and FCS ADA all honored Chism with the first team honor.
For his career, Chism earned 10 All-American awards, and four All-Big Sky honors, including two first selections.
Chism finished number two on the all-time reception list, behind Kupp, with 346 catches, along with averaging 6.5 career catches per game. He is third all-time in both receiving yards (3852) and touchdowns (37).
Adding to his versatility, Chism is credited with 56 punt returns, placing him fourth all-time in EWU history. He had 257 punt return yards for a 4.6 per return average.
Along with being a star on the field, Chism was just as successful in the classroom, earning FCS ADA Academic All-Star two years in a row (2023-24), while earning five Big Sky fall All-Academic honors.
With Chism signing with the Patriots, Eastern Washington now has 93 players drafted or signed by NFL or CFL clubs since 1989.
The 2025 EWU football season will be here before you know it and new season ticket holders can purchase their seats for the first time starting May 1st! For questions, contact the EWU Ticket Office at 509-359-6059 or tickets@ewu.edu.
Join the Eagle Athletic Fund for as low as $50 per year! Support Eagle student-athletes on and off the field while enjoying exclusive EAF perks such as season ticket and tailgating priority, invitations to special events, exclusive access, and more. Visit goeags.com/eaf for more information.
ABOUT EASTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS
Eastern Washington University Athletics sponsors 14 intercollegiate sports, six for men and eight for women, both as learning opportunities for its most athletically talented students and as an enhancement to student and community life. Eastern is affiliated with Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and is a member of the Big Sky Conference, an association of 10 regional schools with comparable enrollments and academic goals.
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