A sincere gentleman: Former Packers GM Ted Thompson's influence felt on and off the gridiron
With former Green Bay Packers general manager Ted Thompson passing away Wednesday at age 68, there was an outpouring of support from around the NFL.
But Thompson's reach extended far beyond the football field, with personal stories highlighting the former linebacker and longtime executive's courage, kindness and generosity.
Starting off on the right foot
Thank you Cowboy Ted ❤️💔 #missyoubuddy #1stdraftpick # https://t.co/ULY4xVRJxf
— Aaron Rodgers (@AaronRodgers12) January 21, 2021
Unbreakable bond
.@AaronRodgers12 on the passing of Ted Thompson pic.twitter.com/AZROZunObC
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) January 21, 2021
Opening a door
RIP Forever Grateful Ted, thank you for taking a chance on me and giving me my first NFL opportunity 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/mqcQZiUZBf
— Lenzy Pipkins (@Pippy_LONGsock) January 21, 2021
Support goes a long way
Thank you for believing in me Ted🙏🏾 https://t.co/fAL1ggH3WQ
— Kenny Clark (@KCBoutThatLife) January 21, 2021
An amazing mentor
.@Seahawks Executive VP/General Manager John Schneider on the passing of Ted Thompson: pic.twitter.com/7BjzmKLI8e
— Seahawks PR (@seahawksPR) January 21, 2021
What a weekend
Forever thankful and grateful for the opportunity he gave me over a weekend in Green Bay in 2016. #RIP https://t.co/WjD0kR8skD
— Lucas Patrick (@lucaspatrick62) January 21, 2021
Taking a back seat
All Ted cared about was getting good players and winning games. He was about the work, not the trappings of the position. And that is too rare these days.
— Drew Olson (@DrewOlsonMKE) January 21, 2021
Lending an ear
I’m saddened to hear the news of Ted Thompson’s passing. I can’t say enough good things about Ted. I always enjoyed the lunch room conversations and sideline chats we had and I will always feel indebted to him for taking a chance on this unproven kid. RIP TT 🙏🏼
— Clay Matthews III (@ClayMatthews52) January 21, 2021
Actions speak loudest
At Pro Day, Ted Thompson came out of the stands to cheer us on during the 60 yd shuttle. This simple act to encourage & cheer on a bunch of nervous guys stressed about running a good time meant everything. It spoke to who he was, & what he meant to the success of the Packers.
— Drew Meyer (@drewmeyer5) January 21, 2021
Don't hold back!
It's amazing to think that about 10 years ago Ted Thompson and Kevin Green we're celebrating a Super Bowl Victory and now have since past away. 2 takeaways. 1. Go for your highest aspirations because at least you will leave this life with no regrets. 2. Our time here flies fast.
— Brady Poppinga (@BradyPoppinga) January 21, 2021
Earning their respect
Minnesota Vikings General Manager Rick Spielman on the passing of Ted Thompson pic.twitter.com/D8oxScnEbx
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) January 21, 2021
One for all!
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
Leaving his mark
My thoughts and prayers go out to Ted Thompson’s family. A great man who had a powerful impact on the @packers organization!
— Jermichael Finley (@JermichaelF88) January 21, 2021
His legacy lives on
As much as I ever complained about Ted Thompson during the tail end of his tenure as GM, I have to give him credit. He had a huge hand in building the @packers team that will take the field for the NFCCG on Sunday. Many of those key players were drafted by him. RIP #GoPackGo
— Corey David Witcher (@coreyw7878) January 21, 2021
Set up for success
Ted Thompson is reason #Packers are in this title game. For the late-tenure frustration from fans, Thompson aligned #Packers for 15 years of contention with very first major decision. Every good Packers memory these past 15 years, it started with him.
— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) January 21, 2021
How many GMs can say that?
Sound advice
Ted Thompson and S Mike Reinfeldt became best friends when they played for the Oilers. Mike recommended Ted to Packers GM Ron Wolf for an entry-level scouting job. Ted was a Houston businessman at the time. He thought he'd give it a try for one year. The rest is Packers' history.
— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) January 21, 2021
Man behind the scenes
Condolences to the Thompson family. Ted set the foundation for so much of the success I was able to see and be apart of in the Packers organization. Much respect
— Ryan Grant (@RyanGrant25) January 21, 2021
Dark day in Green Bay
Thoughts and prayers to the Thompson family. Terribly sad news out of Green Bay. RIP Ted.
— TJ Lang (@TJLang70) January 21, 2021
Laying the foundation
#Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy & GM Brian Gutekunst discuss Ted Thompson’s legacy 🎥 https://t.co/JWhEQ0Cn4p
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) January 21, 2021
Not far off
He may not be on the "Mount Rushmore" of the Packers, but Ted Thompson made an indelible impact on the organization.
— Kyle Cousineau (@KCousineau09) January 21, 2021
Rest in peace, Ted Thompson.#WinItForTed
Trust in his gut
I'm saddened by the news of Ted Thompson's death. No one worked harder at scouting. He was a scout's scout. Admired how he made the call to draft Aaron Rodgers. Don't know of another GM who would have had the guts to do that.
— Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) January 21, 2021
Grinding it out
Tough day for many people in the scouting community with the loss of Ted Thompson. Ted was a scout’s scout, even after he became @packers general manager. Very few GMs roll up their sleeves and stay true to their road scout roots like Ted did. 🙏
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) January 21, 2021
Giving a kid his shot
Thank you Ted for taking a chance on an undrafted kid from Arkansas. Had an amazing 10 years and truly honored to have that chance. RIP to one of the Greats!
— Brett Goode (@BGoode61) January 21, 2021
Looking out for others
Sorry to hear about the passing of Ted Thompson. He gave me my first opportunity to scout in the league after getting to know him during my time with the @packers. The team building and evaluation lessons learned from him and #GoPackGo have served me well. RIP, Ted 💛💚
— Bucky Brooks (@BuckyBrooks) January 21, 2021
Showing up for veterans
Former Green Bay media member John Maino shared his thoughts on the passing of Ted Thompson. John is an advocate for local veterans and servicemen & women, and Ted appreciated that. Ted helped out as well, with little to no fanfare about donating his private box to local vets. pic.twitter.com/b3CqxEqxw4
— Kyle Cousineau (@KCousineau09) January 21, 2021
An expert eye for talent
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
Time to make him proud
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
Crack a smile!
#Packers #SBXLV pic.twitter.com/RMazlqrmwc
— James Jones (@89JonesNTAF) January 21, 2021
Heartbroken
Unbelievable 💔!! Thoughts and prayers go out to the Thompson family! Ted was one of a kind!
— Tramon Williams Sr. (@HighRizer22) January 21, 2021
Thank you, Ted, for seeing the value in an undrafted free agent 15 years ago! I'm forever grateful. Ted was My Guy! RIP, #TedThompson pic.twitter.com/vJ41lyFYXP
Thompson died on Wednesday night, three days after his 68th birthday and just as a Packers team that bears his fingerprints is again one victory away from a Super Bowl berth.
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