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Ted Thompson Adam Wesley/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

NFL world mourns death of former Green Bay Packers GM Ted Thompson

Originally posted on Sportsnaut | By Matt Fitzgerald | Last updated 1/21/21

Longtime Green Bay Packers general manager Ted Thompson died at the age of 68 late Wednesday night, and many people around the pro football world are grieving.

In addition to playing for the Houston Oilers from 1975 to 1984, Thompson enjoyed a long career as an NFL executive, primarily in the Packers front office.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the news of Thompson’s death, which was later confirmed by Green Bay head coach Matt LaFleur, per Packers beat reporter Rob Demovsky:

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

Thompson had been diagnosed with autonomic disorder in 2017, which led to him resigning as GM — a position he’d held since 2005. Since then, he was serving as a senior advisor to football operations for the Pack.

In his first year on the job as GM, Thompson patiently waited in the 2005 NFL Draft for Aaron Rodgers to fall to the Packers at the 24th overall pick. Despite having superstar quarterback Brett Favre already on the roster, Thompson made the tough call to pick Rodgers, who, as Favre’s successor, has provided almost unmatched stability at the sport’s most important position in Green Bay.

Beyond the major Rodgers acquisition, though, Thompson played a large part in constructing the rosters for two Bowl championship teams. The 1996 Packers that won Super Bowl XXXI had Thompson as their director of pro personnel, and Green Bay also won Super Bowl XLV during Thompson’s tenure as general manager.

Thompson worked in Green Bay’s front office from 1992 through 1999 in a few different personnel roles before becoming the Seattle Seahawks’ vice president of football operations from 2000 through 2004. He’s had a lot to do with the current Packers team that’ll soon play in the NFC Championship Game.

NFL world mourns Green Bay Packers GM Ted Thompson

Few people dedicated their life to the game of football like Ted Thompson.

After a 10-year playing career, he spent 26 years in the Packers' front office. He was a scout's scout: dedicated to his profession & craft like few others in the business. RIP to a 2X Super Bowl champ. https://t.co/vIVhks6WBQ
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) January 21, 2021

Without you, there is no Rodgers, our foundation would be different. You created/built this core of the team, now it’s only right we win it all for you.

Rest In Peace Ted Thompson, and Thank You pic.twitter.com/sEGZTjARQW
— ³³ (13-3) (@GoatAaronJones) 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

Rest In Peace. Wonderful man. #TedThompson pic.twitter.com/fUjVl3FvL1
— Andrew Brandt (@AndrewBrandt) January 21, 2021

In 13 seasons as general manager, Ted Thompson's teams combined for a 125-82-1 regular season record, nine postseason appearances, six NFC North titles, and a win in Super Bowl XLV. Additionally, he was responsible for drafting or signing numerous Pro Bowl players. pic.twitter.com/lSIIbjh9vZ
— Packers History (@HistoricPackers) January 21, 2021

Awful news. Sad day for the Green Bay Packers organization, fan base, community… but also a sad day for anyone ever involved in scouting.

Few people as committed & dedicated to the scouting community as Ted Thompson. He lived and breathed football. A legend… Absolute legend. https://t.co/kpHgJrENE0
— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) January 21, 2021

Ted Thompson laid the foundation for many successes in Green Bay.

Here's what he meant to Aaron Rodgers, from back in 2019. #Packers https://t.co/yNJOpvqtVL
— Lily Zhao (@LilySZhao) January 21, 2021

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

Oh man, Ted Thompson was one of the very first NFL personnel executives I was friends with starting back in 2000, played golf w him back in the day, drank beers together often, and I was so proud of that bc he was a man who pretty much kept to himself. I felt honored. RIP TT!
— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) January 21, 2021

"You couldn't ask for a more ethical person. He was a tireless worker. It was never about him. It was about what was best for the Packers organization.”

Former Green Bay Packers general manager Ted Thompson dies at 68 https://t.co/p8mOCPQdIt via @PGpackersnews
— Olivia Reiner (@ReinerOlivia) January 21, 2021

This article first appeared on Sportsnaut and was syndicated with permission.

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