Thursday, Jan 21, 2021. 5:51 PM
(Update : Thursday, Jan 21, 2021. 7:09 PM)
GREEN BAY, Wis. – Ted Thompson, whose 13-year reign as general manager of the Green Bay Packers was marked by a 2010 Super Bowl triumph, has passed away. He was 68 years old.
Packers executives announced that Thompson passed away on Wednesday night at his home in Atlanta, Texas. A spokesperson for the team clarified that a member of Thompson’s family had shared the news with the Packers.
In May 2019, Thompson announced he was suffering from an autonomic nervous system dysfunction.
Thompson was the Packers’ general manager from 2005 to 2017. He has picked many players who still play with the team, including quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Of the 53 players in the 2010 champion edition, Thompson had acquired 49.
“In my opinion, he’s the best talent scorer, especially when it comes to the draft, which I’ve seen or been around,” said Brian Gutekunst, who worked with Thompson in Green Bay before replacing him. of general manager.
“He had a unique way of seeing what a player was going to become and how well he could be. “
Thompson has spent more than two decades in the management of the team. He served as director of professional personnel when the Packers won the 1996 Super Bowl and the National Association championship the following season.
Thompson, a former linebacker with the Houston Oilers between 1975 and 1984, joined the Packers in 1992 and remained there until 1999.
Between 2000 and 2004, he was vice president of football operations for the Seattle Seahawks before returning to Green Bay in 2005.
In Thompson’s first year as general manager for the Packers, the team made a decision that would change their destiny.
The Packers selected Rodgers in 24th place while Brett Favre, who would eventually be inducted into the Professional Football Hall of Fame, was still in the lineup. The move ensured the Packers three decades of exceptional quarterback performance.
With Thompson at the helm, the Packers made the playoffs for eight straight seasons, from 2009 to 2016.
Along with Rodgers, all-star wide-winger Davante Adams, precision kicker Mason Crosby as well as running backs Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams are part of the current edition after being picked by Thompson.
“Not only has he had a remarkable impact on the people who work here, especially Gutey (Gutekunst) but on people from other departments as well,” said head coach Matt LaFleur, whose team is preparing to face Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the National Association final on Sunday.
“When you look at our current roster you can still feel his mark on the squad, but I think he’s also had a big influence among many people across the league, when you look at all the other GMs who have learned. by his side, ”added LaFleur.
“It is certain that our hearts are heavy today. “
