Ted Thompson obit

“Man of great character”: Former Packers GM Ted Thompson dead at 68

 

He was not on the list.

Former Green Bay Packers general manager Ted Thompson died Wednesday at the age of 68. According to a statement from the team, Thompson passed away at his home in Texas.

“Ted was a man of great character and integrity who cared deeply for his family and friends,” said current Packers GM Brian Gutekunst, who succeeded Thompson in 2018. “He was honest and hard-working. He valued his scouts and always did what he felt was right for the Packers organization.

“I learned a great deal from Ted and will always be appreciative for the opportunity he gave me. He was a football man and a scout’s scout, but more importantly, he was a very special person who will be greatly missed.”

    Ted Thompson, the former #Packers general manager who drafted a Hall of Fame quarterback, built the Super Bowl XLV championship team, & shepherded one of the most successful stretches in team history, has passed away at age 68: https://t.co/COgiSZgo02 pic.twitter.com/gHKgEo5spN

    — Green Bay Packers (@packers) January 21, 2021

Packers president/CEO Mark Murphy remembered, “During very stressful times, either at the Super Bowl or during the draft, he just had a calmness to him, and it was just a quiet confidence. He was certainly a humble man, but so smart, and we owe a debt of gratitude to him.”

During his Thursday media briefing, Packers Head Coach Matt LaFleur talked about Thompson’s legacy and impact on the current team making a run for a Super Bowl.

“Just want to say our condolences go out to his family,” LaFleur began. “He’s a guy that’s held in the highest regard in this building and I think just around the league.”

“His impact is still felt to this day when you look at our roster. I think he’s had a tremendous impact amongst many people across the league when you look at all the other GMs that have learned under him,” LaFleur said.

Thompson’s first draft pick, Aaron Rodgers, released a statement saying how thankful he is for Ted.

“The fact that I was his first draft pick will always link us together. I always appreciated his steady hand and the conversations that we would have. He always made things pretty clear about what he expected from the team and what he expected from me,” Rodgers writes.

    .@AaronRodgers12 on the passing of Ted Thompson pic.twitter.com/AZROZunObC

    — Green Bay Packers (@packers) January 21, 2021

The team plans to install his name on Lambeau’s facade before next season.

    Packers coach Matt LaFleur confirmed that former GM Ted Thompson has died. “His impact is still felt to this day when you look at our roster … I just know how important he was to many people in this building.”

    — Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) January 21, 2021

A veteran personnel man, Thompson spent all but five of his 26 years in NFL front offices with the Packers. He was named general manager in 2005.

His first draft pick was a pretty good one: future NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers. In fact, Action 2 Sports reporter Dave Schroeder says all four Packers first team All-Pro players were drafted by Thompson: Rodgers, Davante Adams, David Bakhtiari, and Corey Linsley. 

    All four of the Packers’ first team All-Pros were drafted by Ted Thompson: Aaron Rodgers, Davante Adams, David Bakhtiari, Corey Linsley

    — Dave Schroeder (@SchroederWBAY) January 21, 2021

Under his leadership, the Packers made nine playoff appearances and won Super Bowl XLV. During his tenure, the team compiled a record of 125-82-1.

The team transitioned Thompson out of the general manager position in 2017 after the Packers finished the season 7-9.

He was inducted into the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame in 2019.

Players have been reminiscing on how Ted Thompson gave them their first big break, or in some cases, a second chance at a career. Fans and players are using the hashtag #WinItForTed to inspire the Packers on their quest for another Super Bowl title this season.

“He was a giant here in this building, so there’s a lot of sad faces,” GM Gutekunst said, “but at the same time I think things we will carry on with us is substantial, so huge loss but really a time to celebrate a great man.”

    Maaan RIP Ted 🙏🏽. Thanks for taking a shot on me and believing in me, this ones gonna be for you 🏆. Gonna miss you

    — Kevin King (@King_kevvoo) January 22, 2021

    RIP to a legendary man and GM. Took a chance on a raw wideout outta Fresno State and I made it m mission to not disappoint! Til next time, Ted!! 🖤 https://t.co/TwH7I0NJWx

    — Davante Adams (@tae15adams) January 21, 2021

    My condolences to TED THOMPSON FAMILY, he did a lot for @packers nation!!

    — leroy butler (@leap36) January 21, 2021

    #Packers #SBXLV pic.twitter.com/AJOxc0QY42

    — James Jones (@89JonesNTAF) January 21, 2021

    Thank you Ted Thompson. Thank you for giving me my first opportunity to make an opening day roster. Thank you for believing in me for 9 years and allowing me to grow as a player. Lastly, thank you for bringing me and my family to Green Bay. You changed our lives! RIP TED

    — John Kuhn (@kuhnj30) January 21, 2021

    Once upon a time circa 2006 I was a free agent and one team took a shot on me orchestrated by Ted Thompson.. RIP TT thanks for bringing in this washed up player giving me a chance to play in the #greenandgold 🙏🏿 @packers #sbxlvchamps

    — Charles Woodson (@CharlesWoodson) January 21, 2021

    I’m heartbroken by the news of Ted Thompson. I will forever be thankful for him believing in me. #WinItForTed 💔💔

    — Randall Cobb (@rcobb18) January 21, 2021

    My sincere condolences to the Thompson family. Ted was a great man and great GM for the Packers. I’ll always remember my draft day phone call. He asked me if “I’d have his back?” And I responded with saying “Not only his back, but Aaron Rodgers back too.” #RIP #ThankyouTed

    — David Bakhtiari (@DavidBakhtiari) January 21, 2021

    It should remembered that Ted Thompson played a huge role in building the current #Packers team. Rodgers, Adams, Jones, Clark, Williams, Bakhtiari, Linsley, Crosby, King, Lowry. It's a shame he didn't get to see this season through but those who know him know what he did for GB.

    — Tom Silverstein (@TomSilverstein) January 21, 2021

    Ted Thompson was never overly comfortable with the media, but he had a great sense of humor.

    At the annual shareholders meeting one year, he saw me taking pictures of the Packers brass walking into the stadium, and he did this, smiling the whole way: pic.twitter.com/OR3f7GG2MQ

    — Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) January 21, 2021

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Packers reporter Tom Silverstein was first to report the news Thursday.

    Architect of the #Packers last Super Bowl Championship team...RIP Ted https://t.co/RXzGDkK0aZ

    — Chris Roth (@rothchris) January 21, 2021

    Sad news indeed. #RIP https://t.co/y7Cnme8eXX

    — Dave Schroeder (@SchroederWBAY) January 21, 2021