From High School Buddies to Cardinals Teammates: Jordan Burch & Xavier Thomas Are Back Together
Remember Jordan Burch and Xavier Thomas back in their high school days? Well, now these two are back on the same squad — the Arizona Cardinals — and ready to shake things up as outside linebackers.
It all started last April during the NFL Draft. Burch was glued to his phone, waiting to hear if the Cardinals would pick him. When they finally called to say they’d snagged him in the third round, he was hyped. Then, within a day, his old teammate Xavier Thomas, who was picked the year before, hit him up on the phone.
Thomas called the whole thing “a dream come true” — and honestly, it sounds like something straight out of a movie.
These guys go way back to Wilson High School in South Carolina, where Burch originally wanted to be a wide receiver but ended up on defense, teaming up with Thomas. Burch was new to the position and leaned on Thomas for help — and together, they made some serious plays. Thomas was the star back then, earning big honors in college at Clemson, while Burch went from South Carolina to Oregon before making it to the pros.
Now, even though they’re more than 2,000 miles away from home, they’re side by side again — literally, with lockers next to each other in Tempe. Thomas is like the big brother this time, showing Burch the ropes of being a rookie in the NFL.
But it’s not all just bromance and back-pats. Competition is fierce on the Cardinals’ outside linebacker squad. They brought in Josh Sweat, re-signed Baron Browning, and have BJ Ojulari returning from injury. Thomas had a quiet rookie year but is ready for a bigger role, moving beyond just third-down pass rushing to more coverage duties.
Burch is working hard to earn his playing time, and Coach Jonathan Gannon says he’s impressed with what he’s seen so far — especially in clutch moments like fourth downs.
Both guys know they’ve got what it takes, but they also get that they’re on the same team and have each other’s backs. Burch says the locker room feels like family.
When training camp kicks off at State Farm Stadium, Burch can’t wait to look over and see his old mentor out on the field with him. “It’ll be like a moment from the past,” he says. And if they start making plays together? That’ll be one special highlight for sure.
Breaking News: Burch & Thomas Reunite, World Pretends to Be Surprised
