Career Timeline of Shaq Thompson: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: June 10, 2025

Discover the career path of Shaq Thompson, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Shaquille Green Thompson, known as Shaq Thompson, is a professional football linebacker currently playing for the Buffalo Bills. Before joining the Bills, he played college football at the University of Washington, where he was recognized as a first-team All-American in 2014. Thompson's athletic background extends to baseball, as he briefly played in the Boston Red Sox organization. During his time with the Carolina Panthers, Thompson was known for playing a hybrid safety/linebacker role, often referred to as "the Big Nickel".

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2011: Delta Valley League MVP

In 2011, Shaq Thompson was named the Delta Valley League MVP while at Grant Union High School. He rushed for 1,882 yards and 25 touchdowns.

January 31, 2012: Commitment to the University of Washington

On January 31, 2012, Shaq Thompson changed his commitment from the University of California, Berkeley to the University of Washington.

2012: U.S. Army All-American Bowl

In 2012, Shaq Thompson played in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl after his senior year of high school.

2012: Drafted by Boston Red Sox

In 2012, Shaq Thompson was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the 18th round of the MLB Draft and played for their rookie-level team in the Gulf Coast League. He later decided to focus on football.

2012: Honorable Mention All-Pac-12 Conference

In 2012, as a freshman, Shaq Thompson earned an honorable mention All-Pac-12 Conference. He also received the Travis Spring Most Outstanding Freshman award.

2013: Honorable Mention All-Pac-12

In 2013, Shaq Thompson was an honorable mention All-Pac-12 player. He also received the team's Chuck Niemi Big Hit Award.

2014: All-American Honors

In 2014, Shaq Thompson earned first-team All-American honors while playing college football for the Washington Huskies.

2014: Paul Hornung Award

In 2014, Shaq Thompson won the Paul Hornung Award, which is given to the nation's most versatile player. He was also named first-team All-America by multiple sources.

January 5, 2015: Declaration for the 2015 NFL Draft

On January 5, 2015, Shaq Thompson announced that he would forgo his senior season at Washington and enter the 2015 NFL draft.

May 7, 2015: Signed with the Carolina Panthers

On May 7, 2015, Shaq Thompson signed a four-year, $8.80 million contract with the Carolina Panthers, including $7.17 million guaranteed and a $4.66 million signing bonus.

September 27, 2015: First Career Sack

On September 27, 2015, Shaq Thompson recorded a season-high seven combined tackles and made his first career sack on Drew Brees in a victory against the New Orleans Saints.

January 3, 2016: Tied Season-High Tackles

On January 3, 2016, Shaq Thompson tied his season-high with seven combined tackles during a win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

January 17, 2016: First Career Playoff Game

On January 17, 2016, Shaq Thompson started his first career playoff game during the Panthers' victory against the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Divisional Round.

February 7, 2016: Super Bowl 50 Appearance

On February 7, 2016, Shaq Thompson appeared in Super Bowl 50 and recorded five combined tackles as the Panthers were defeated by the Denver Broncos.

December 11, 2016: First Career Interception

On December 11, 2016, Shaq Thompson made his first career interception off of a pass attempt by Philip Rivers in a victory over the San Diego Chargers.