 Thompson in 2010 | |||||||||
| No. 51 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Position: | Linebacker | ||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||
| Born: | (1953-01-17)January 17, 1953 Atlanta, Texas, U.S. | ||||||||
| Died: | January 20, 2021(2021-01-20) (aged 68) Atlanta, Texas, U.S. | ||||||||
| Height: | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) | ||||||||
| Weight: | 220 lb (100 kg) | ||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||
| High school: | Atlanta | ||||||||
| College: | Southern Methodist | ||||||||
| Undrafted: | 1975 | ||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||
As a player: | |||||||||
As a staff member / executive: | |||||||||
| |||||||||
| |||||||||
| Career highlights and awards | |||||||||
| Career NFL statistics | |||||||||
| |||||||||
Ted Thompson (January 17, 1953 – January 20, 2021) was an American professionalfootball player and executive in theNational Football League (NFL). He was thegeneral manager of theGreen Bay Packers from 2005 to 2017. Thompson had a 10-year playing career in the NFL as alinebacker andspecial teams player with theHouston Oilers from 1975 to 1984.
Thompson first worked for the Packers organization from 1992 to 1999, first as assistant director of pro personnel, then their director of pro personnel from 1993 to 1997 and their director of player personnel from 1997 to 1999. He then served with theSeattle Seahawks as their vice president of operations from 2000 to 2004. He returned to Green Bay as their general manager in 2005. Over his career, Thompson won twoSuper Bowl titles,XXXI in 1997 andXLV in 2011. In May 2019, Thompson revealed that he had been suffering from anautonomic disorder. He died in early 2021.
Thompson played college football atSouthern Methodist University, starting three years atlinebacker and intercepting seven passes during his career.[1] During his senior year, he served as a team captain and was also the team'splacekicker.[2]
As an undrafted free agent in 1975, Thompson was signed by theHouston Oilers. The Oilers' general manager and coach wasBum Phillips, who had briefly coached Thompson at Southern Methodist. Thompson won a spot as a backup linebacker and special teams player and held this position for 10 years. He started nine games during his career,[3] but he proved durable, playing in 146 of 147 games. In a 1980 game against the New York Jets, Thompson successfully converted four extra-point attempts as the emergency kicker.[2]
In 1992, Thompson was hired byRon Wolf as a scout for the Green Bay Packers. Thompson worked for the Packers through the 1999 season when former Packers' head coachMike Holmgren recruited Thompson to join the Seattle Seahawks. During Thompson's time with the Packers as a scout, the Packers advanced to the playoffs six times, participating in two Super Bowls and winningSuper Bowl XXXI.[4]
Thompson worked for theSeattle Seahawks as vice president of football operations, also heading Seattle's scouting department and running the draft boards. He worked alongside former Packers and Seahawks coachMike Holmgren, who was Seattle's GM at the time.
During Thompson's tenure in Seattle, the Seahawks advanced to the playoffs twice. In 2005, following Thompson's departure to the Packers, the Seahawks had one of their best success in team history, reaching the Super Bowl. Many of the players on Seattle's Super Bowl team were acquired under Thompson's direction, including HBShaun Alexander, WRDarrell Jackson, OGSteve Hutchinson, CBMarcus Trufant, KJosh Brown and OTSean Locklear.
In an interview with Mike Holmgren in 2009, Holmgren noted that "Once Ted Thompson came on board and we settled down a little bit, we started making good decisions."[5]
Thompson replacedMike Sherman as general manager of the Packers in 2005. When Thompson was hired the Packers were over thesalary cap for the upcoming2005 season. Some of Thompson's first decisions included declining to re-sign starting guardMarco Rivera and releasing starting guardMike Wahle and starting safetyDarren Sharper, three key components of the team's three-timeNFC North division championship team. Thompson's first draft netted a quarterback in first round pickAaron Rodgers, as well as defensive starters in safetyNick Collins and linebackerBrady Poppinga. The drafting of Rodgers was especially notable in that he had been expected to be selected much earlier in the draft but wound up falling to the late first round. In free agency following the draft, Thompson signed low-priced players, picking up guardsMatt O'Dwyer andAdrian Klemm to make up for the losses of Wahle and Rivera. However, O'Dwyer was cut during training camp, and Klemm was benched towards the end of the season. Thompson acquired several free agents during the season that proved more successful, including running backSamkon Gado, tight endDonald Lee and wide receiverRod Gardner. Still, the team struggled to overcome injuries at numerous offensive skill positions, most notably season-ending injuries to #1 running backAhman Green, #2 RBNajeh Davenport and #1 wide receiverJavon Walker, and Green Bay finished the season with a 4–12 record, the worst record for the franchise since 1991.
Thompson's first action during the 2006 offseason was the firing of head coachMike Sherman, stating "This was more thinking in terms of where we are and where we need to get to."[6] Sherman was replaced on January 12, 2006, byMike McCarthy, who came to the Packers after previously serving in the role of offensive coordinator for both theSan Francisco 49ers' 32nd-ranked offense[7] andNew Orleans Saints. McCarthy also served as quarterback coach for the Packers in 1999, giving him hands-on experience with franchise quarterbackBrett Favre and some familiarity with Thompson.[8] The hiring was considered a surprise to many in NFL circles, as McCarthy was not considered a prime head coaching candidate despite the number of head coaching vacancies.
The Packers entered the offseason with a league best $32 million available under the salary cap. However, Thompson elected not to retain several veterans including kickerRyan Longwell, centerMike Flanagan, or linebackerNa'il Diggs. Thompson retained several other veterans, as the team re-signed Pro Bowl defensive endAaron Kampman, running backAhman Green, guardKevin Barry and fullbackWilliam Henderson to new contracts. Thompson also was more active in free agency than he was in 2005, focusing mostly on defense by signing cornerbackCharles Woodson from theOakland Raiders, safetyMarquand Manuel from theSeattle Seahawks, defensive tackleRyan Pickett from theSt. Louis Rams, and linebackerBen Taylor from theCleveland Browns.
In the2006 NFL draft, Thompson amassed 12 picks and continued his restructuring on the defensive side of the football. With the fifth overall pick in the draft, Thompson selected linebackerA. J. Hawk fromOhio State. Thompson later added another Big Ten linebacker,Abdul Hodge from Iowa. Thompson also nabbed eventual starterJohnny Jolly with a 6th round pick. Thompson also addressed offensive deficiencies during the draft by nabbing wide receiverGreg Jennings, guardJason Spitz and guardDaryn Colledge. Several of these draft picks contributed almost immediately to the Packers' lineup. Jennings, Colledge, Spitz, and Hawk started the entire year and a 5th round pick,Tony Moll, started 10 games in his rookie season while other offensive linemen were out with injuries. Jennings, Hawk, and Colledge were also selected to NFL's official all-rookie team.
The 2007 season was a successful one for Thompson and the Packers. With a league-best $21 million available below the salary cap, the Packers' lone free agent signing in the offseason was former NY Giants cornerbackFrank Walker. There were rumors indicating that the team was interested in trading forOakland Raiders wide receiverRandy Moss, but Moss was instead dealt to theNew England Patriots. Most notably, in September Thompson traded a 6th round pick in the2008 NFL draft for New York Giants' running backRyan Grant, who was starting by game eight and went on to have an outstanding season.
In the2007 NFL draft, Thompson selectedUniversity of Tennessee defensive tackleJustin Harrell with the #16 overall selection in the first round. This move was a surprise selection to many fans because Harrell was not a widely known player, had a long history of injury, and many felt the team had more pressing needs. Fans and draft prognosticators also widely panned Thompson's selection ofJames Jones in the third round. Despite heavy criticism, Jones, and several of Thompson's other 2007 draft picks, played significant roles for the Packers during the 2007 season. Although Harrell was recovering from a college biceps injury, he played in the Packers' final five games. Harrell played in seven games in 2007, starting in two.[9] James Jones served as the Packers' third receiver and finished third among rookies in receiving (47 receptions for 676 yards). Other notable members of the Packers' 2007 draft class include running backsBrandon Jackson andDeShawn Wynn, who were early season starters for the Packers,Korey Hall, who served as the team's starting fullback, safetyAaron Rouse, who tallied two interceptions while filling in for injured players, and kickerMason Crosby, who led the NFL in scoring in 2007.
Despite the offseason criticism preceding the 2007 season, Thompson and the Packers were the surprise team of the NFL through the 2007 season, as they finished the regular season with a 13–3 record. The Packers made it to the NFC Championship game, losing to eventual Super Bowl champions theNew York Giants, 23–20 in overtime.
Thompson was voted Sporting News NFL Executive of the Year for his 2007 work on March 25, 2008.[10]
The 2008 off-season and training camp was a rather rocky one for Thompson. While free agency was quiet, with the team's lone signing being linebackerBrandon Chillar, Thompson was at the center of a controversy surrounding quarterback Brett Favre's desire to unretire for the 2008 season. Favre, who announced his retirement on March 6, announce his desire to unretire after the 2008 draft in which the Packers selected two quarterbacks. Thompson, along with Packers' management and head coachMike McCarthy, were adamant about their desire to move on withAaron Rodgers as the team's new starting quarterback, with McCarthy stating "The football team has moved forward, the train has left the station". Favre, meanwhile, expressed frustration with Thompson regarding hiring and personnel decisions stating that he was only "guilty of retiring early". As a result, on July 11, 2008, Favre asked for his unconditional release from the Green Bay Packers. Thompson had repeatedly stated that the team would not release him and at the time were engaged in a standoff with Favre that could have ended with Favre taking up to a $25 million buyout to remain retired and participate in a marketing and merchandising role with the team.
On August 6, 2008, Thompson and Favre agreed on a trade and he was sent to the New York Jets for a conditional 4th round pick. The pick was to become a third-round pick if Favre took the majority of the team's snaps at quarterback, a second-round pick if he took 70 percent of the snaps and the team made the playoffs, and a first-round pick if Favre took 80 percent of the snaps at quarterback and the Jets reachedSuper Bowl XLIII. The Jets failed to make the playoffs but Favre took the majority of the team's snaps; so the 4th round pick became a 3rd round pick. Favre made the AFC Pro Bowl and led the Jets to a 9–7 record, while the Packers fell to 6–10 including losing 5 of their last 6 games of the season.
Besides the obvious controversy concerning the Brett Favre unretirement and trade, Thompson was considerably criticized by his decision in the 2008 offseason to waive punterJon Ryan. After an excellent season, Thompson chose to waive the punter. The punter was quickly picked up by Seattle and had another impressive season while the Packers filtered though puntersDerrick Frost andJeremy Kapinos. Ultimately the loss of a good punter contributed to several momentum shifts during games due to poor punts aiding the Packers in achieving a 6–10 season.
In the 2009 offseason, Thompson continued to uphold his philosophy to build through the draft, selecting NTB. J. Raji with the 9th overall pick. and then trading several picks to move up and select OLBClay Matthews with the 26th overall pick. Later picks include eventual starters OGT.J. Lang, DEJarius Wynn, and OLBBrad Jones. Raji, Matthews, and Jones made an immediate impact and all wound up as starters their rookie year. Matthews, Raji, and Lang developed into Pro Bowl players.
In the 2010 NFL Draft, the Packers selected offensive tackleBryan Bulaga in the first round. The Packers also drafted eventual starters safetyMorgan Burnett, offensive tackleMarshall Newhouse, and running backJames Starks. Important rotational players drafted include tight endAndrew Quarless and defensive endC. J. Wilson. The Packers also signed several notable free agents including rookie undrafted free agents cornerbackSam Shields, linebackerFrank Zombo, punterTim Masthay, tight endTom Crabtree and centerEvan Dietrich-Smith. Other notable free agents include safetyCharlie Peprah and outside linebackerErik Walden.
The Packers went on to defeat thePittsburgh Steelers 31–25 to winSuper Bowl XLV. They became the first #6 seed from the NFC to win the Super Bowl, and second #6 seed to win the Super Bowl since the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2005.[11]
On February 11, 2011, Thompson was re-signed to a multiyear contract extension.[12]
In the2011 NFL draft, Thompson selected offensive tackleDerek Sherrod with the 32nd overall pick. Although several rookies, including Sherrod, received playing time their rookie year, only second round pick Randall Cobb (wide receiver and returner) made a significant impact. Linebacker D.J. Smith and running back Brandon Saine made smaller contributions as injury fill ins and special teams players.During the season, the Packers gavewide receiverJordy Nelson a new contract.
The Packers allowed defensive end Cullen Jenkins to sign as a free agent with the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Packers went on to have a successful 15–1 regular season, but lost their first playoff game to the eventual Super Bowl champion New York Giants.
After the Packers had a historically bad year on defense, allowing over 400 yards per game, the Packers went on to dedicate the offseason to improve their defense. After resigningtight endJermichael Finley and cornerbackJarrett Bush they signed formerNew Orleans SaintsAnthony Hargrove, formerMiami DolphinsPhillip Merling and formerColtDaniel Muir. They also resigned linebackerErik Walden. Thompson decided to let Pro Bowl centerScott Wells depart and brought in formerIndianapolis Colts centerJeff Saturday. Backup quarterbackMatt Flynn went to the Seahawks and backupcornerbackPatrick Lee went to theOakland Raiders. After Pro Bowl SafetyNick Collins went down during the season and was not cleared to play again the Packers decided to release him. They also released their longtime starter at offensive tackleChad Clifton after he missed more than half of the games in 2011 and failed a physical before the Draft. The replacement safetyCharlie Peprah was also cut at the beginning of training camp.
On January 1, 2018, it was reported that Thompson would no longer be the general manager of the Packers but would remain with the team in an advisory role.[13] On January 2, it was announced that Thompson's new position would be the senior advisor to football operations.[14]
On November 6, 2018, the Packers announced that Ted Thompson would be inducted into theGreen Bay Packers Hall of Fame.[15][16]
| Position | Name | Round | Overall Pick | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QB | Aaron Rodgers | First Round | (No. 24 overall) | 2005 |
| S | Nick Collins | Second Round | (No. 51 overall) | 2005 |
| LB | A. J. Hawk | First Round | (No. 5 overall) | 2006 |
| WR | Greg Jennings | Second Round | (No. 52 overall) | 2006 |
| WR | James Jones | Third Round | (No. 78 overall) | 2007 |
| WR | Jordy Nelson | Second Round | (No. 36 overall) | 2008 |
| TE | Jermichael Finley | Third Round | (No. 91 overall) | 2008 |
| DT | B. J. Raji | First Round | (No. 9 overall) | 2009 |
| LB | Clay Matthews III | First Round | (No. 26 overall) | 2009 |
| WR | Randall Cobb | Second Round | (No. 64 overall) | 2011 |
| RB | Eddie Lacy | Second Round | (No. 61 overall) | 2013 |
| S | Ha Ha Clinton-Dix | First Round | (No. 21 overall) | 2014 |
| WR | Davante Adams | Second Round | (No. 53 overall) | 2014 |
| CB | Damarious Randall | First Round | (No. 30 overall) | 2015 |
| DT | Kenny Clark | First Round | (No. 27 overall) | 2016 |
| Position | Name | Round | Overall Pick | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CB | Will Blackmon | Fourth Round | (No. 115 overall) | 2006 |
| DT | Johnny Jolly | Sixth Round | (No. 183 overall) | 2006 |
| LB | Desmond Bishop | Sixth Round | (No. 192 overall) | 2007 |
| K | Mason Crosby | Sixth Round | (No. 193 overall) | 2007 |
| G | Josh Sitton | Fourth Round | (No. 135 overall) | 2008 |
| G | T. J. Lang | Fourth Round | (No. 109 overall) | 2009 |
| RB | James Starks | Sixth Round | (No. 193 overall) | 2010 |
| CB | Davon House | Fourth Round | (No. 131 overall) | 2012 |
| DT | Mike Daniels | Fourth Round | (No. 132 overall) | 2012 |
| OT | David Bakhtiari | Fourth Round | (No. 109 overall) | 2013 |
| C | Corey Linsley | Fifth Round | (No. 161 overall) | 2014 |
| QB | Brett Hundley | Fifth Round | (No. 147 overall) | 2015 |
| LB | Blake Martinez | Fourth Round | (No. 131 overall) | 2016 |
| Position | Name | Signed From | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| RB | Samkon Gado | Signed as street free agent | 2005 |
| S | Marquand Manuel | Signed as a street free agent | 2006 |
| CB | Jarrett Bush | Claimed off waivers from the Carolina Panthers | 2006 |
| CB | Tramon Williams | Signed as street free agent | 2006 |
| FB | John Kuhn | Claimed off waivers from the Pittsburgh Steelers | 2007 |
| LS | J. J. Jansen | Signed as undrafted free agent | 2008 |
| C/G | Evan Dietrich-Smith | Signed as undrafted free agent | 2009 |
| S | Charlie Peprah | Signed as a street free agent | 2010 |
| P | Tim Masthay | Signed as street free agent | 2010 |
| CB | Sam Shields | Signed as undrafted free agent | 2010 |
| LB | Erik Walden | Signed as street free agent | 2010 |
| LB | Jamari Lattimore | Signed as undrafted free agent | 2011 |
| WR | Jeremy Ross | Signed as street free agent | 2011 |
| G | Don Barclay | Signed as undrafted free agent | 2012 |
| RB | DuJuan Harris | Signed as street free agent | 2012 |
| LB | Joe Thomas | Signed off Cowboys' practice squad | 2015 |
| CB | LaDarius Gunter | Signed as an undrafted free agent | 2015 |
| TE | Lance Kendricks | Signed as street free agent | 2017 |
| LB | Ahmad Brooks | Signed as street free agent | 2017 |
| DE | Chris Odom | Claimed off waivers from the Atlanta Falcons | 2017 |
| TE | Robert Tonyan | Signed as street free agent | 2017 |
| G | Jahri Evans | Signed as street free agent | 2017 |
| Position | Name | Contract Details | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| DT | Ryan Pickett | Signed a four-year, $14 million contract | 2006 |
| CB | Charles Woodson | Signed a seven-year, $52.7 million contract | 2006 |
| LB | Brandon Chillar | Signed a two-year, $5 million contract | 2008 |
| C | Jeff Saturday | Signed a two-year, $7.75 million contract | 2012 |
| RB | Cedric Benson | Signed a one-year, $825,000 contract | 2012 |
| DE | Julius Peppers | Signed a three-year, $30 million contract | 2014 |
| DT | Letroy Guion | Signed a one-year, $825,000 contract | 2014 |
| TE | Jared Cook | Signed a one-year, $2.75 million contract | 2016 |
| TE | Martellus Bennett | Signed a three-year, $21 million contract | 2017 |
| Position | Name | Trade Details | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| RB | Ryan Grant | Traded from Giants for a sixth-round draft pick in 2008 | 2007 |
| DT | Corey Williams | Traded to Browns for a 2nd round pick in 2008 | 2008 |
| QB | Brett Favre | Traded to Jets for a conditional 3rd round pick in 2009 | 2008 |
| LB | Jay Elliott | Traded to Cowboys for a conditional seventh-round pick in 2018 | 2017 |
On May 8, 2019, Thompson announced that he had been diagnosed with autonomic disorder.[17] He cited this reason for his resignation.[18] Thompson died at his home inAtlanta, Texas on January 20, 2021, three days after his 68th birthday.[19]
... in this championship season Thompson was tested in other ways.
