Ted Thompson was a former American football player and executive who had a successful career in the National Football League (NFL). He played as a linebacker for the Houston Oilers from 1975 to 1984, where he was known for his toughness and work ethic. After retiring from playing, Thompson began his career as a scout for the Green Bay Packers in 1992. He quickly rose through the ranks and became the team's director of pro personnel in 1997.
In 2000, Thompson left the Packers to become the vice president of football operations for the Seattle Seahawks. He spent four years with the Seahawks before returning to Green Bay in 2005 as the team's general manager. As general manager, Thompson was responsible for building the Packers' roster through the draft and free agency. He was known for his ability to find and develop talent, and his teams consistently competed for playoff spots.
Under Thompson's leadership, the Packers won Super Bowl XLV in 2011 and made the playoffs eight times. He was also responsible for drafting several key players, including quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who went on to become one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history. Thompson was known for his patient approach to building a team, preferring to develop young players rather than signing expensive free agents.
Thompson stepped down as general manager in 2017 due to health concerns, but remained with the Packers as a senior advisor to football operations. He was widely respected throughout the NFL for his knowledge and expertise, and his contributions to the Packers' success will be remembered for years to come. Thompson passed away on January 20, 2021, at the age of 68.
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