Ted Thompson
Encyclopedia
Ted Thompson is the current general manager
of the NFL
's Green Bay Packers
. Thompson was named to the post on January 14, 2005, by Packers president and CEO Bob Harlan
. Thompson took over the general manager duties from Mike Sherman
, who had been serving as both head coach and general manager. Prior to becoming the Packers' general manager, Thompson served with the Seattle Seahawks
as their vice president of operations from 2000 to 2004. Thompson had previously worked for the Packers organization from 1992 to 1999, serving as their assistant director of pro personnel in 1992, their director of pro personnel from 1993 to 1997, and their director of player personnel from 1997 to 1999. Thompson also had a 10-year playing career in the NFL as a linebacker
and special teams player with the Houston Oilers from 1975 to 1984.
starting three years at linebacker
intercepting seven passes during his career. During Thompson's senior year he served as a team captain and was also the team's place kicker.
As an undrafted free agent in 1975, Thompson was signed by the Houston Oilers. The Oilers' GM and coach was Bum Phillips
who had briefly coached Thompson at Southern Methodist. Thompson won a spot as a back-up linebacker and special teams player and held this position for 10 years. Although Thompson only started eight games during his career, he proved durable playing in 146 of 147 games. In a 1981 game against the New York Jets, Thompson successfully converted four extra-point attempts as the emergency kicker.
as a scout for the Green Bay Packers. Thompson worked for the Packers through the 1999 season when former Packers' head coach Mike Holmgren
recruited Thompson to join the Seattle Seahawks. During Thompson's time with the Packers as a scout, the Packers advanced to the playoffs six times, participating in two Super Bowls and winning Super Bowl XXXI
, who was Seattle's GM at the time.
During Thompson's tenure in Seattle, the Seahawks advanced to the playoffs twice. In 2005, following Thompson's departure to the Packers the Seahawks had their best success in team history, reaching the Super Bowl. Many of the players on Seattle's Super Bowl team were acquired under Thompson's direction, including HB Shaun Alexander
, WR Darrell Jackson
, OG Steve Hutchinson, CB Marcus Trufant
, and K Josh Brown,
In an interview with Mike Holmgren in 2009, Holmgren noted that "Once Ted Thompson came on board and we settled down a little bit, we started making good decisions."
as general manager of the Packers in 2005. When Thompson was hired the Packers were over the salary cap
for the upcoming 2005 season
. Some of Thompson's first decisions included declining to re-sign starting guard Marco Rivera
and releasing starting guard Mike Wahle
and starting safety Darren Sharper
, three key components of the team's three-time NFC North division championship team. Thompson's first draft netted a quarterback in first round pick Aaron Rodgers
, as well as defensive starters in safety Nick Collins
and linebacker Brady Poppinga
. The drafting of Rodgers was especially notable in that he had been expected to be selected much earlier in the draft but wound up falling to the late first round. In free agency following the draft, Thompson signed low-priced players, picking up guards Matt O'Dwyer
and Adrian Klemm
to make up for the losses of Wahle and Rivera. However, O'Dwyer was cut during training camp, and Klemm was benched towards the end of the season. Thompson acquired several free agents during the season that proved more successful, including running back Samkon Gado
, tight end Donald Lee and wide receiver Rod Gardner
. Still, the team struggled to overcome injuries at numerous offensive skill positions, most notably season-ending injuries to #1 running back Ahman Green
, #2 RB Najeh Davenport
and #1 wide receiver Javon Walker
, and Green Bay finished the season with a 4-12 record, the worst record for the franchise since 1991.
, stating "This was more thinking in terms of where we are and where we need to get to." Sherman was replaced on January 12, 2006 by Mike McCarthy, who came to the Packers after previously serving in the role of offensive coordinator for both the San Francisco 49ers
' 32nd-ranked offense and New Orleans Saints
. McCarthy also served as quarterback coach for the Packers in 1999, giving him hands-on experience with franchise quarterback Brett Favre
and some familiarity with Thompson. The hiring was considered a surprise to many in NFL circles, as McCarthy was not considered a prime head coaching candidate despite the number of head coaching vacancies.
The Packers entered the offseason with a league best $32 million available under the salary cap. However, Thompson elected not to retain several veterans including kicker Ryan Longwell
, center Mike Flanagan
, or linebacker Na'il Diggs
. Thompson retained several other veterans, as the team re-signed Pro Bowl defensive end Aaron Kampman
, running back Ahman Green
, guard Kevin Barry
and fullback William Henderson to new contracts. Thompson also was more active in free agency than he was in 2005, focusing mostly on defense by signing defensive back Charles Woodson
from the Oakland Raiders
, safety Marquand Manuel
from the Seattle Seahawks
, defensive tackle Ryan Pickett
from the St. Louis Rams
, and linebacker Ben Taylor
from the Cleveland Browns
.
In the 2006 NFL Draft
, Thompson amassed 12 picks and continued his restructuring on the defensive side of the football. With the fifth overall pick in the draft, Thompson selected linebacker A.J. Hawk from the Ohio State. Thompson later added another Big Ten linebacker, Abdul Hodge
from Iowa. Thompson also nabbed eventual starter Johnny Jolly
with a 6th round pick. Thompson also addressed offensive deficiencies during the draft by nabbing wide receiver Greg Jennings
, guard Jason Spitz
and guard Daryn Colledge
. Several of these draft picks contributed almost immediately to the Packers' lineup. Jennings, Colledge, Spitz, and Hawk started the entire year and a 5th round pick, Tony Moll
, started 10 games in his rookie season while other offensive linemen were out with injuries. Jennings, Hawk, and Colledge were also selected to NFL's official all-rookie team.
wide receiver Randy Moss
, but Moss was instead dealt to the New England Patriots
. Most notably, in September Thompson traded a 6th round pick in the 2008 NFL Draft
for New York Giants' running back Ryan Grant
, who was starting by game eight and went on to have an outstanding season.
In the 2007 NFL Draft
, Thompson selected University of Tennessee
defensive tackle Justin Harrell
with the #16 overall selection in the first round. This move was a surprise selection to many fans because Harrell was not a widely known player, had a long history of injury, and many felt the team had more pressing needs. Fans and draft prognosticators also widely panned Thompson's selection of James Jones in the third round. Despite heavy criticism, Jones, and several of Thompson's other 2007 draft picks, played significant roles for the Packers during the 2007 season. Although Harrell was recovering from a college biceps injury, he played in the Packers final five games. Harrell played in seven games in 2007, starting in two. He subsequently played in six games in 2008 and is presently on Injured Reserve. James Jones served as the Packers' third receiver and finished third among rookies in receiving (47 receptions for 676 yards). Other notable members of the Packers' 2007 draft class include running backs Brandon Jackson and DeShawn Wynn
, who were early season starters for the Packers, Korey Hall
, who served as the team's starting fullback, safety Aaron Rouse
, who tallied two interceptions while filling in for injured players, and kicker Mason Crosby
, who led the NFL in scoring in 2007.
Despite the offseason criticism preceding the 2007 season, Thompson and the Packers were the surprise team of the NFL through the 2007 season, as they finished the regular season with a 13–3 record. The Packers made it to the NFC Championship game, losing to eventual Super Bowl champions the New York Giants
, 23-20 in overtime.
Thompson was voted Sporting News NFL Executive of the Year for his 2007 work on March 25, 2008.
, Thompson was at the center of a controversy surrounding quarterback Brett Favre's desire to unretire for the 2008 season. Favre, who announced his retirement on March 6, announce his desire to unretire after the 2008 draft in which the Packers selected two quarterbacks. Thompson, along with Packers' management and head coach Mike McCarthy, were adamant about their desire to move on with Aaron Rodgers
as the team's new starting quarterback, with McCarthy stating "The football team has moved forward, the train has left the station". Favre, meanwhile, expressed frustration with Thompson regarding hiring and personnel decisions stating that he was only "guilty of retiring early". As a result, on July 11, 2008, Favre asked for his unconditional release from the Green Bay Packers. Thompson had repeatedly stated that the team would not release him and at the time were engaged in a standoff with Favre that could have ended with Favre taking up to a $25 million buyout to remain retired and participate in a marketing and merchandising role with the team.
On August 6, 2008, Thompson and Favre agreed on a trade and he was sent to the New York Jets for a conditional 4th round pick. The pick was to become a third-round pick if Favre took the majority of the team's snaps at quarterback, a second-round pick if he took 70 percent of the snaps and the team made the playoffs, and a first-round pick if Favre took 80 percent of the snaps at quarterback and the Jets reached Super Bowl XLIII
. The Jets failed to make the playoffs but Favre took the majority of the teams snaps; so the 4th round pick became a 3rd round pick. Favre made the AFC Pro Bowl and led the Jets to a 9-7 record, while the Packers fell to 6-10 including losing 5 of their last 6 games of the season.
Besides the obvious controversy concerning the Brett Favre unretirement and trade, Thompson was considerably criticized by his decision in the 2008 offseason to waive punter Jon Ryan. After an excellent season, Thompson chose to waive the punter. The punter was quickly picked up by Seattle and had another impressive season while the Packers filtered though punters Derrick Frost and Jeremy Kapinos. Ultimately the loss of a good punter contributed to several momentum shifts during games due to poor punts aiding the Packers in achieving a 6-10 season.
with the 26th overall pick.
in the first round. The Packers went on to defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers
31-25 to win Super Bowl XLV
, becoming the first #6 seed from the NFC to win the Super Bowl.
On February 11, 2011, Thompson was re-signed to a multiyear contract extension
, Thompson selected offensive tackle Derek Sherrod
with the 32nd overall pick.
General Manager (American football)
In the National Football League, the general manager or GM of a team typically controls player transactions and bears the primary responsibility on behalf of the team during contract discussions with players....
of the NFL
National Football League
The National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
's Green Bay Packers
Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers are an American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Packers are the current NFL champions...
. Thompson was named to the post on January 14, 2005, by Packers president and CEO Bob Harlan
Bob Harlan
Robert E. "Bob" Harlan is the former Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Green Bay Packers, an American professional football team. He is a graduate of Marquette University, where he was the Sports Information Director for many years...
. Thompson took over the general manager duties from Mike Sherman
Mike Sherman
Michael Francis "Mike" Sherman is the head coach of the Texas A&M Aggies football team. Prior to coaching the Aggies, he served as the head coach of the Green Bay Packers from the 2000–05 seasons. Sherman led the Packers to five consecutive winning seasons from 2000–04 and three divisional titles...
, who had been serving as both head coach and general manager. Prior to becoming the Packers' general manager, Thompson served with the Seattle Seahawks
Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks are a professional American football team based in Seattle, Washington. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team joined the NFL in 1976 as an expansion team...
as their vice president of operations from 2000 to 2004. Thompson had previously worked for the Packers organization from 1992 to 1999, serving as their assistant director of pro personnel in 1992, their director of pro personnel from 1993 to 1997, and their director of player personnel from 1997 to 1999. Thompson also had a 10-year playing career in the NFL as a linebacker
Linebacker
A linebacker is a position in American football that was invented by football coach Fielding H. Yost of the University of Michigan. Linebackers are members of the defensive team, and line up approximately three to five yards behind the line of scrimmage, behind the defensive linemen...
and special teams player with the Houston Oilers from 1975 to 1984.
Career as a player
Ted Thompson played college football at Southern Methodist UniversitySouthern Methodist University
Southern Methodist University is a private university in Dallas, Texas, United States. Founded in 1911 by the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, SMU operates campuses in Dallas, Plano, and Taos, New Mexico. SMU is owned by the South Central Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church...
starting three years at linebacker
Linebacker
A linebacker is a position in American football that was invented by football coach Fielding H. Yost of the University of Michigan. Linebackers are members of the defensive team, and line up approximately three to five yards behind the line of scrimmage, behind the defensive linemen...
intercepting seven passes during his career. During Thompson's senior year he served as a team captain and was also the team's place kicker.
As an undrafted free agent in 1975, Thompson was signed by the Houston Oilers. The Oilers' GM and coach was Bum Phillips
Bum Phillips
Oail Andrew "Bum" Phillips is a retired American football coach and the father of Wade Phillips, the Defensive Coordinator for the Houston Texans...
who had briefly coached Thompson at Southern Methodist. Thompson won a spot as a back-up linebacker and special teams player and held this position for 10 years. Although Thompson only started eight games during his career, he proved durable playing in 146 of 147 games. In a 1981 game against the New York Jets, Thompson successfully converted four extra-point attempts as the emergency kicker.
Green Bay Packers (scout)
In 1992 Ted Thompson was hired by Ron WolfRon Wolf
Ron Wolf is the former American football general manager of the NFL's Green Bay Packers. He also played a significant role in personnel operations with the Oakland and Los Angeles Raiders from 1963–1975, and again from 1978–1990...
as a scout for the Green Bay Packers. Thompson worked for the Packers through the 1999 season when former Packers' head coach Mike Holmgren
Mike Holmgren
Michael George Holmgren is a former professional football coach and current President of the Cleveland Browns. He served as the head coach of the Green Bay Packers from 1992 to 1998, and the Seattle Seahawks from 1999 to 2008...
recruited Thompson to join the Seattle Seahawks. During Thompson's time with the Packers as a scout, the Packers advanced to the playoffs six times, participating in two Super Bowls and winning Super Bowl XXXI
Super Bowl XXXI
Super Bowl XXXI was an American football game played on January 26, 1997, at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana to decide the National Football League champion following the 1996 regular season. The National Football Conference champion Green Bay Packers defeated the American...
Seattle days
Thompson worked in Seattle as Vice President of Football Operations; also heading Seattle's scouting department and running the draft boards. He worked alongside former Packers and Seahawks coach Mike HolmgrenMike Holmgren
Michael George Holmgren is a former professional football coach and current President of the Cleveland Browns. He served as the head coach of the Green Bay Packers from 1992 to 1998, and the Seattle Seahawks from 1999 to 2008...
, who was Seattle's GM at the time.
During Thompson's tenure in Seattle, the Seahawks advanced to the playoffs twice. In 2005, following Thompson's departure to the Packers the Seahawks had their best success in team history, reaching the Super Bowl. Many of the players on Seattle's Super Bowl team were acquired under Thompson's direction, including HB Shaun Alexander
Shaun Alexander
Shaun Edward Alexander is a former American football running back who played for the Seattle Seahawks and the Washington Redskins. He was drafted by the Seahawks 19th overall in the 2000 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Alabama.- Early career :Alexander was born and...
, WR Darrell Jackson
Darrell Jackson
Darrell Lamont Jackson is a former American college and professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League for nine seasons...
, OG Steve Hutchinson, CB Marcus Trufant
Marcus Trufant
Marcus Lavon Trufant is an American football cornerback who plays for the Seattle Seahawks. He was originally drafted by the Seahawks 11th overall in the 2003 NFL Draft. He played college football at Washington State.-Early years:...
, and K Josh Brown,
In an interview with Mike Holmgren in 2009, Holmgren noted that "Once Ted Thompson came on board and we settled down a little bit, we started making good decisions."
2005
Thompson replaced Mike ShermanMike Sherman
Michael Francis "Mike" Sherman is the head coach of the Texas A&M Aggies football team. Prior to coaching the Aggies, he served as the head coach of the Green Bay Packers from the 2000–05 seasons. Sherman led the Packers to five consecutive winning seasons from 2000–04 and three divisional titles...
as general manager of the Packers in 2005. When Thompson was hired the Packers were over the salary cap
Salary cap
In professional sports, a salary cap is a cartel agreement between teams that places a limit on the amount of money that can be spent on player salaries. The limit exists as a per-player limit or a total limit for the team's roster, or both...
for the upcoming 2005 season
2005 NFL season
The 2005 NFL season was the 86th regular season of the National Football League.With the New England Patriots as the defending league champions, regular season play was held from September 8, 2005 to January 1, 2006...
. Some of Thompson's first decisions included declining to re-sign starting guard Marco Rivera
Marco Rivera
Marco Anthony Rivera is a former American football offensive lineman in the National Football League. Rivera is of Puerto Rican descent.-Early years:Rivera attended Elmont Memorial High School in Long Island, New York...
and releasing starting guard Mike Wahle
Mike Wahle
Michael James Wahle is a former American football guard of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the second round of the 1998 NFL Supplemental Draft...
and starting safety Darren Sharper
Darren Sharper
Darren Mallory Sharper is an American football safety who currently is a free agent. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the second round of the 1997 NFL Draft. He played college football at William & Mary....
, three key components of the team's three-time NFC North division championship team. Thompson's first draft netted a quarterback in first round pick Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Charles Rodgers is an American football quarterback for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League . Rodgers was selected in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft by the Packers...
, as well as defensive starters in safety Nick Collins
Nick Collins
Nicholas Cardell Collins is an American football free safety who plays for the Green Bay Packers of the NFL.-High school:...
and linebacker Brady Poppinga
Brady Poppinga
-Green Bay Packers:Poppinga entered the National Football League on April 24, 2005, when he was selected in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers. On July 26, 2005 Poppinga signed a four-year $2.4 million contract with the Packers.The Packers were excited about Poppinga's...
. The drafting of Rodgers was especially notable in that he had been expected to be selected much earlier in the draft but wound up falling to the late first round. In free agency following the draft, Thompson signed low-priced players, picking up guards Matt O'Dwyer
Matt O'Dwyer
Matt O'Dwyer is a former American football player who played in the National Football League from 1995 to 2005. A 6-foot-4, 315-pound lineman out of Northwestern University, O'Dwyer played for the New York Jets , the Cincinnati Bengals , and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers...
and Adrian Klemm
Adrian Klemm
Adrian William Klemm is a former National Football League offensive lineman, who played for the New England Patriots and Green Bay Packers. He is perhaps best known for being drafted by the New England Patriots in the second round of the 2000 NFL Draft, the same draft in which they selected Tom...
to make up for the losses of Wahle and Rivera. However, O'Dwyer was cut during training camp, and Klemm was benched towards the end of the season. Thompson acquired several free agents during the season that proved more successful, including running back Samkon Gado
Samkon Gado
Samkon Kaltho Gado is an Nigerian-American running back of American football who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2005. He played college football at Liberty....
, tight end Donald Lee and wide receiver Rod Gardner
Rod Gardner
Roderick F. Gardner is an American football wide receiver in the National Football League, who is currently a free agent.-College career:...
. Still, the team struggled to overcome injuries at numerous offensive skill positions, most notably season-ending injuries to #1 running back Ahman Green
Ahman Green
Ahman Rashad Green is a retired American football running back. He is the all-time leading rusher for the Green Bay Packers. He was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the 3rd round of the 1998 NFL Draft...
, #2 RB Najeh Davenport
Najeh Davenport
Najeh Trenadious Monté Davenport is a former American football running back. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the fourth round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
and #1 wide receiver Javon Walker
Javon Walker
Javon Lataff Walker is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers 20th overall of the 2002 NFL Draft. He played college football at Florida State....
, and Green Bay finished the season with a 4-12 record, the worst record for the franchise since 1991.
2006
Thompson's first action during the 2006 offseason was the firing of head coach Mike ShermanMike Sherman
Michael Francis "Mike" Sherman is the head coach of the Texas A&M Aggies football team. Prior to coaching the Aggies, he served as the head coach of the Green Bay Packers from the 2000–05 seasons. Sherman led the Packers to five consecutive winning seasons from 2000–04 and three divisional titles...
, stating "This was more thinking in terms of where we are and where we need to get to." Sherman was replaced on January 12, 2006 by Mike McCarthy, who came to the Packers after previously serving in the role of offensive coordinator for both the San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers are a professional American football team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team was founded in 1946 as a charter member of the All-America Football Conference and...
' 32nd-ranked offense and New Orleans Saints
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints are a professional American football team based in New Orleans, Louisiana. They are members of the South Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League ....
. McCarthy also served as quarterback coach for the Packers in 1999, giving him hands-on experience with franchise quarterback Brett Favre
Brett Favre
Brett Lorenzo Favre is a former American football quarterback who spent the majority of his career with the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League . He was a 20-year veteran of the NFL, having played quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons , Green Bay Packers , New York Jets and Minnesota...
and some familiarity with Thompson. The hiring was considered a surprise to many in NFL circles, as McCarthy was not considered a prime head coaching candidate despite the number of head coaching vacancies.
The Packers entered the offseason with a league best $32 million available under the salary cap. However, Thompson elected not to retain several veterans including kicker Ryan Longwell
Ryan Longwell
Ryan Walker Longwell is an American football placekicker for the Minnesota Vikings in the National Football League. After playing college football for the California Golden Bears, he started his professional football career with the San Francisco 49ers, but never played a game for the franchise...
, center Mike Flanagan
Mike Flanagan (American football)
Michael Christopher Flanagan is an American football center who is currently a free agent. He was originally drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the third round of the 1996 NFL Draft...
, or linebacker Na'il Diggs
Na'il Diggs
Na'il Diggs is an American football linebacker for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the fourth round of the 2000 NFL Draft. He played college football at Ohio State. Diggs has also played for the Carolina Panthers and St. Louis Rams...
. Thompson retained several other veterans, as the team re-signed Pro Bowl defensive end Aaron Kampman
Aaron Kampman
Aaron Allan Kampman is an American football defensive end and linebacker for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League. He was drafted by Green Bay Packers in the fifth round of the 2002 NFL Draft. He played college football at Iowa....
, running back Ahman Green
Ahman Green
Ahman Rashad Green is a retired American football running back. He is the all-time leading rusher for the Green Bay Packers. He was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the 3rd round of the 1998 NFL Draft...
, guard Kevin Barry
Kevin Barry
Kevin Gerard Barry was the first Irish republican to be executed by the British since the leaders of the Easter Rising. Barry was sentenced to death for his part in an IRA operation which resulted in the deaths of three British soldiers.Barry's death is considered a watershed moment in the Irish...
and fullback William Henderson to new contracts. Thompson also was more active in free agency than he was in 2005, focusing mostly on defense by signing defensive back Charles Woodson
Charles Woodson
Charles C. Woodson is an American football cornerback for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League . He played college football at the University of Michigan for the Michigan Wolverines. In 1997, Woodson led the Wolverines to a national championship...
from the Oakland Raiders
Oakland Raiders
The Oakland Raiders are a professional American football team based in Oakland, California. They currently play in the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
, safety Marquand Manuel
Marquand Manuel
Marquand Alexander Manuel is a former American college and professional football player who was a safety in the National Football League for eight seasons during the 2000s...
from the Seattle Seahawks
Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks are a professional American football team based in Seattle, Washington. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team joined the NFL in 1976 as an expansion team...
, defensive tackle Ryan Pickett
Ryan Pickett
-St. Louis Rams:Pickett was selected with the 29th pick of the first round in the 2001 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Rams. On July 28, 2001, Pickett signed a five-year, $5.995 million contract with the Rams. Pickett's contract includes a $2.615 million signing bonuses...
from the St. Louis Rams
St. Louis Rams
The St. Louis Rams are a professional American football team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are currently members of the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Rams have won three NFL Championships .The Rams began playing in 1936 in Cleveland,...
, and linebacker Ben Taylor
Ben Taylor (American football)
Benjamin Frazier Taylor is a former American football linebacker.Taylor was a linebackers coach for the Bridgewater College football team.-Cleveland Browns:...
from the Cleveland Browns
Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns are a professional football team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are currently members of the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
.
In the 2006 NFL Draft
2006 NFL Draft
The 2006 National Football League Draft, the 71st in league history, took place in New York City at Radio City Music Hall on April 29 and April 30, 2006. For the 27th consecutive year, the draft was telecast on ESPN and ESPN2, with additional coverage offered by ESPNU and, for the first time, by...
, Thompson amassed 12 picks and continued his restructuring on the defensive side of the football. With the fifth overall pick in the draft, Thompson selected linebacker A.J. Hawk from the Ohio State. Thompson later added another Big Ten linebacker, Abdul Hodge
Abdul Hodge
Abdul Raheeda Hodge is an American football linebacker and a member of the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League.He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the third round of the 2006 NFL Draft...
from Iowa. Thompson also nabbed eventual starter Johnny Jolly
Johnny Jolly
Johnny Ray Jolly, Jr. is an American football defensive end, who is serving an indefinite suspension from the National Football League's Green Bay Packers...
with a 6th round pick. Thompson also addressed offensive deficiencies during the draft by nabbing wide receiver Greg Jennings
Greg Jennings
Gregory Jennings, Jr. is a professional American football wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League...
, guard Jason Spitz
Jason Spitz
Jason Spitz is an American football offensive guard for the Jacksonville Jaguars. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the third round of the 2006 NFL Draft...
and guard Daryn Colledge
Daryn Colledge
Daryn Wayne Colledge is an American football offensive guard for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League.-High school:...
. Several of these draft picks contributed almost immediately to the Packers' lineup. Jennings, Colledge, Spitz, and Hawk started the entire year and a 5th round pick, Tony Moll
Tony Moll
Tony Moll is an American football offensive lineman for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was drafted in the fifth round of the 2006 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers...
, started 10 games in his rookie season while other offensive linemen were out with injuries. Jennings, Hawk, and Colledge were also selected to NFL's official all-rookie team.
2007
The 2007 season was a successful one for Thompson and the Packers. With a league-best $21 million available below the salary cap, the Packers' lone free agent signing in the offseason was former NY Giants cornerback Frank Walker. There were rumors indicating that the team was interested in trading for Oakland RaidersOakland Raiders
The Oakland Raiders are a professional American football team based in Oakland, California. They currently play in the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
wide receiver Randy Moss
Randy Moss
Randy Gene Moss is a former American football wide receiver. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the first round of the 1998 NFL Draft...
, but Moss was instead dealt to the New England Patriots
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots, commonly called the "Pats", are a professional football team based in the Greater Boston area, playing their home games in the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts at Gillette Stadium. The team is part of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National...
. Most notably, in September Thompson traded a 6th round pick in the 2008 NFL Draft
2008 NFL Draft
The 2008 NFL Draft took place at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on April 26 and April 27, 2008. For the 29th consecutive year, ESPN televised the draft; the NFL Network also broadcast the event, its third year doing so...
for New York Giants' running back Ryan Grant
Ryan Grant
Ryan Brett Grant is a running back for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League . He was originally signed by the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent in 2005 but was traded to the Packers shortly before the 2007 season in exchange for a future sixth-round draft pick...
, who was starting by game eight and went on to have an outstanding season.
In the 2007 NFL Draft
2007 NFL Draft
The 2007 National Football League Draft took place at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on April 28 and April 29, 2007. The draft was televised for the 28th consecutive year on ESPN and ESPN2. The NFL Network also broadcast coverage of the event, its second year doing so...
, Thompson selected University of Tennessee
University of Tennessee
The University of Tennessee is a public land-grant university headquartered at Knoxville, Tennessee, United States...
defensive tackle Justin Harrell
Justin Harrell
Justin Tyrell Harrell is an American football defensive end who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers 16th overall in the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Tennessee.-Early years:...
with the #16 overall selection in the first round. This move was a surprise selection to many fans because Harrell was not a widely known player, had a long history of injury, and many felt the team had more pressing needs. Fans and draft prognosticators also widely panned Thompson's selection of James Jones in the third round. Despite heavy criticism, Jones, and several of Thompson's other 2007 draft picks, played significant roles for the Packers during the 2007 season. Although Harrell was recovering from a college biceps injury, he played in the Packers final five games. Harrell played in seven games in 2007, starting in two. He subsequently played in six games in 2008 and is presently on Injured Reserve. James Jones served as the Packers' third receiver and finished third among rookies in receiving (47 receptions for 676 yards). Other notable members of the Packers' 2007 draft class include running backs Brandon Jackson and DeShawn Wynn
DeShawn Wynn
DeShawn Wynn is an American professional football player who was a running back in the National Football League. Wynnn played college football for the University of Florida. He was drafted by the NFL's Green Bay Packers in the seventh round of the 2007 NFL Draft, and has also played for the New...
, who were early season starters for the Packers, Korey Hall
Korey Hall
Korey Dean Hall is an American Football fullback for the New Orleans Saints. He was drafted in the sixth round in the 2007 NFL Draft. He played linebacker at Boise State.-High school career:...
, who served as the team's starting fullback, safety Aaron Rouse
Aaron Rouse
Aaron Roosevelt Rouse is an American football safety for the Virginia Destroyers of the United Football League. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
, who tallied two interceptions while filling in for injured players, and kicker Mason Crosby
Mason Crosby
Mason Walker Crosby , is a professional American football placekicker for the Green Bay Packers in the National Football League. During his playing days at the University of Colorado, Crosby was widely considered the best kicker in college football, as evidenced by ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper Jr.'s...
, who led the NFL in scoring in 2007.
Despite the offseason criticism preceding the 2007 season, Thompson and the Packers were the surprise team of the NFL through the 2007 season, as they finished the regular season with a 13–3 record. The Packers made it to the NFC Championship game, losing to eventual Super Bowl champions the New York Giants
New York Giants
The New York Giants are a professional American football team based in East Rutherford, New Jersey, representing the New York City metropolitan area. The Giants are currently members of the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
, 23-20 in overtime.
Thompson was voted Sporting News NFL Executive of the Year for his 2007 work on March 25, 2008.
2008
The 2008 off-season and training camp was a rather rocky one for Thompson. While free agency was quiet, with the team's lone signing being linebacker Brandon ChillarBrandon Chillar
-St. Louis Rams:Chillar joined the St. Louis Rams as a fourth-round draft pick in the 2004 NFL Draft. On July 26, 2004, Chillar signed a four-year $2.1 million contract with the Rams. Having a father, Ram Chillar, of East Indian descent, Chillar became one of the handful of Indian Americans in the...
, Thompson was at the center of a controversy surrounding quarterback Brett Favre's desire to unretire for the 2008 season. Favre, who announced his retirement on March 6, announce his desire to unretire after the 2008 draft in which the Packers selected two quarterbacks. Thompson, along with Packers' management and head coach Mike McCarthy, were adamant about their desire to move on with Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Charles Rodgers is an American football quarterback for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League . Rodgers was selected in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft by the Packers...
as the team's new starting quarterback, with McCarthy stating "The football team has moved forward, the train has left the station". Favre, meanwhile, expressed frustration with Thompson regarding hiring and personnel decisions stating that he was only "guilty of retiring early". As a result, on July 11, 2008, Favre asked for his unconditional release from the Green Bay Packers. Thompson had repeatedly stated that the team would not release him and at the time were engaged in a standoff with Favre that could have ended with Favre taking up to a $25 million buyout to remain retired and participate in a marketing and merchandising role with the team.
On August 6, 2008, Thompson and Favre agreed on a trade and he was sent to the New York Jets for a conditional 4th round pick. The pick was to become a third-round pick if Favre took the majority of the team's snaps at quarterback, a second-round pick if he took 70 percent of the snaps and the team made the playoffs, and a first-round pick if Favre took 80 percent of the snaps at quarterback and the Jets reached Super Bowl XLIII
Super Bowl XLIII
Super Bowl XLIII was an American football game pitting the American Football Conference champion Pittsburgh Steelers against the National Football Conference champion Arizona Cardinals to decide the National Football League champion for the 2008 season. The game was played on February 1, 2009,...
. The Jets failed to make the playoffs but Favre took the majority of the teams snaps; so the 4th round pick became a 3rd round pick. Favre made the AFC Pro Bowl and led the Jets to a 9-7 record, while the Packers fell to 6-10 including losing 5 of their last 6 games of the season.
Besides the obvious controversy concerning the Brett Favre unretirement and trade, Thompson was considerably criticized by his decision in the 2008 offseason to waive punter Jon Ryan. After an excellent season, Thompson chose to waive the punter. The punter was quickly picked up by Seattle and had another impressive season while the Packers filtered though punters Derrick Frost and Jeremy Kapinos. Ultimately the loss of a good punter contributed to several momentum shifts during games due to poor punts aiding the Packers in achieving a 6-10 season.
2009
In the 2009 offseason, Ted Thompson continued to uphold his philosophy to build through the draft, selecting DT B.J. Raji with the 9th overall pick. and then trading up to select OLB Clay MatthewsClay Matthews III
William Clay Matthews III is an American football linebacker for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Packers 26th overall in the 2009 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Southern California.-Early years:Matthews was born in the Los...
with the 26th overall pick.
2010
In the 2010 NFL Draft, the Packers selected offensive tackle Bryan BulagaBryan Bulaga
-Green Bay Packers:Bulaga began the 2010 season as a back-up offensive lineman before getting his first start in the fifth week against the Washington Redskins. He went to start every game for the rest of the season, eventually being named to the NFL All-Rookie team. Bryan became the youngest...
in the first round. The Packers went on to defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional football team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The team currently belongs to the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Founded in , the Steelers are the oldest franchise in the AFC...
31-25 to win Super Bowl XLV
Super Bowl XLV
Super Bowl XLV was an American football game between the American Football Conference champion Pittsburgh Steelers and the National Football Conference champion Green Bay Packers to decide the National Football League champion for the 2010 season. The game was held at Cowboys Stadium in...
, becoming the first #6 seed from the NFC to win the Super Bowl.
On February 11, 2011, Thompson was re-signed to a multiyear contract extension
2011
In the 2011 NFL Draft2011 NFL Draft
The 2011 NFL Draft was the 76th installment of the annual NFL Draft, where the franchises of the National Football League select newly eligible football players...
, Thompson selected offensive tackle Derek Sherrod
Derek Sherrod
Derek Lee Sherrod is an American football offensive tackle for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Packers in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft...
with the 32nd overall pick.