Cameras catch Bears coach’s immediate reaction to Zavion Thomas vs. Titans

Zavion Thomas grabbed headlines following his preseason performance against the Tennessee Titans on Saturday. The rookie completed a 97-yard touchdown in the 24-15 win and pulled off some impressive catches. Cameras caught a Chicago Bears coach’s reaction after one of the wide receiver’s strong runs.

Thomas finished with five receptions for 140 yards and one touchdown. He showed that he is NFL-ready and deserving of being taken at No. 89 overall in the third round. The 22-year-old is coming off a solid stint in the past two seasons with the LSU Tigers.

His production on Saturday likely left a lasting impression on head coach Ben Johnson and his staff. Thomas’ emergence gives the team another viable option at wide receiver along with Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III and Jahdae Walker.

Zavion Thomas, Chicago Bears — LSU wideout Zavion Thomas (WO38) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Bears coach’s reaction to Zavion Thomas’ strong run captured on camera

Richard Hightower, the Bears’ special teams coordinator, was pleased with what he saw from Thomas on the field. He was visibly happy on the sideline and also thanked wide receivers coach Antwaan Randle El for the work he put in with the first-year wideout.

“He’s gonna be a problem,” Hightower said. “Appreciate the time you’ve been helping that boy, man.”

“He gone be a problem” pic.twitter.com/YolAk4IrLO

— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) August 31, 2026

Thomas will compete with the more experienced wide receiver corps. However, he was able to show what he’s capable of in the preseason. The Louisiana native gives the team more options at the position and will be ready when it calls his name. He’ll continue to develop during practices and learn from his veteran teammates.

Chicago will play their season opener at Bank of America Stadium. It will face Bryce Young and the Carolina Panthers on Sept. 13, a week before its first home game of the campaign versus the Minnesota Vikings. Thomas will likely see limited action early in the year but could receive more minutes as the season progresses.