Ted Thompson was a prominent figure in the NFL, both as a player and executive. He served as the Green Bay Packers' general manager for over a decade, from 2005 to 2017. Prior to his front-office career, Thompson enjoyed a successful playing career as a linebacker and special teams contributor for the Houston Oilers, spanning ten seasons from 1975 to 1984.
January 17, 1953: Birth of Ted Thompson
Ted Thompson was born on January 17, 1953. He would later become a notable American professional football player and executive in the NFL, known for his tenure as the general manager of the Green Bay Packers.
1975: Signed by Houston Oilers
In 1975, Ted Thompson was signed by the Houston Oilers as an undrafted free agent, starting his professional playing career in the NFL.
1975: Start of NFL Playing Career
Ted Thompson began his 10-year playing career in the NFL in 1975 as a linebacker and special teams player with the Houston Oilers.
1980: Emergency Kicker Performance
In 1980, Ted Thompson successfully converted four extra-point attempts as an emergency kicker in a game against the New York Jets.
1984: End of NFL Playing Career
Ted Thompson concluded his NFL playing career in 1984, having played as a linebacker and special teams player with the Houston Oilers for 10 years.
1991: Packers' Worst Season Record
The Packers finished the 2005 season with a 4–12 record, their worst since 1991, despite Ted Thompson's efforts to rebuild the team.
1992: Joined Packers as Assistant Director of Pro Personnel
In 1992, Ted Thompson joined the Green Bay Packers as assistant director of pro personnel, marking the beginning of his executive career in the NFL.
1992: Joined Packers as Scout
Ted Thompson was hired by Ron Wolf as a scout for the Green Bay Packers in 1992, marking the beginning of his tenure with the team.
1993: Promoted to Director of Pro Personnel
In 1993, Ted Thompson was promoted to director of pro personnel for the Green Bay Packers, reflecting his growing influence within the organization.
1997: Became Director of Player Personnel
Ted Thompson became the director of player personnel for the Green Bay Packers in 1997, further solidifying his role in the team's executive structure.
1999: McCarthy's Experience with Packers
Mike McCarthy, hired by Ted Thompson in 2006, had previously served as the Packers' quarterback coach in 1999, giving him familiarity with the team.
1999: Left Packers for Seahawks
In 1999, Ted Thompson left the Green Bay Packers to join the Seattle Seahawks as their vice president of operations, expanding his executive role in the NFL.
1999: Left Packers to Join Seahawks
In 1999, Ted Thompson left the Green Bay Packers to join the Seattle Seahawks, where he was recruited by former Packers' head coach Mike Holmgren.
2000: Joined Seahawks as Vice President of Operations
In 2000, Ted Thompson joined the Seattle Seahawks as their vice president of operations, continuing to build his executive career in the NFL.
2004: Left Seahawks
Ted Thompson left the Seattle Seahawks in 2004, marking the end of his tenure as their vice president of operations before returning to the Packers.
2005: Became GM of Green Bay Packers
In 2005, Ted Thompson became the general manager of the Green Bay Packers, a role he held until 2017. This marked a significant step in his executive career.
2005: Drafted Aaron Rodgers
In 2005, Ted Thompson drafted quarterback Aaron Rodgers in the first round, a decision that would significantly impact the Green Bay Packers' future.
2005: Active Free Agency
In 2005, Ted Thompson was active in free agency, signing several defensive players including Charles Woodson and Marquand Manuel to strengthen the Green Bay Packers.
2005: Seahawks Reached Super Bowl
In 2005, following Ted Thompson's departure, the Seattle Seahawks reached the Super Bowl, with many players acquired under his direction contributing to the success.
2005: Pittsburgh Steelers Win Super Bowl XL
The Pittsburgh Steelers, as the #6 seed from the AFC, won Super Bowl XL in 2005. This victory was a notable achievement, as they were only the second #6 seed to win the Super Bowl at the time. Their win paved the way for other lower-seeded teams, demonstrating that it was possible to overcome the odds and achieve championship success.
January 12, 2006: Hired Mike McCarthy as Head Coach
On January 12, 2006, Ted Thompson hired Mike McCarthy as the head coach of the Green Bay Packers, a decision that would shape the team's future.
2006: 2006 NFL Draft Success
In the 2006 NFL Draft, Ted Thompson selected key players like A. J. Hawk and Greg Jennings, who made immediate contributions to the Green Bay Packers.
2007: Surprise Season and NFC Championship
The Green Bay Packers, under the leadership of general manager Ted Thompson, exceeded expectations in the 2007 NFL season, finishing with a 13-3 record and reaching the NFC Championship game. Although they lost to the eventual Super Bowl champions, the New York Giants, their performance was a testament to Thompson's ability to build a competitive team.
2007: Traded for Ryan Grant
In 2007, Ted Thompson traded a 6th round pick for New York Giants' running back Ryan Grant, who went on to have an outstanding season with the Packers.
2007: 2007 NFL Draft
In 2007, Ted Thompson, the Green Bay Packers' general manager, made several key draft picks, including Justin Harrell, James Jones, Brandon Jackson, DeShawn Wynn, Korey Hall, Aaron Rouse, and Mason Crosby. Despite initial criticism, many of these picks went on to play significant roles for the team during the 2007 season.
2007: Successful Season Leads to Executive of the Year Award
Ted Thompson's successful management of the Green Bay Packers in 2007, including key draft picks and a surprising playoff run, earned him the Sporting News NFL Executive of the Year award. This accolade solidified his reputation as a shrewd and effective general manager.
March 25, 2008: Sporting News NFL Executive of the Year
On March 25, 2008, Ted Thompson was recognized for his exceptional work as the general manager of the Green Bay Packers by being named the Sporting News NFL Executive of the Year. This award highlighted his successful efforts in assembling a competitive roster, particularly during the 2007 season.
July 11, 2008: Brett Favre Unretirement and Trade Request
On July 11, 2008, Brett Favre requested his unconditional release from the Green Bay Packers, after announcing his desire to unretire. This decision followed the team's decision to move forward with Aaron Rodgers as their starting quarterback. The situation caused a rift between Favre and the Packers' management, including general manager Ted Thompson.
August 6, 2008: Brett Favre Traded to New York Jets
On August 6, 2008, after weeks of controversy and negotiations, the Green Bay Packers, under the guidance of general manager Ted Thompson, agreed to trade Brett Favre to the New York Jets. This decision marked the end of Favre's tenure with the Packers and the beginning of Aaron Rodgers' era as the team's starting quarterback.
2008: Criticism for Waiving Jon Ryan
In 2008, Ted Thompson faced criticism for his decision to waive punter Jon Ryan. Ryan went on to have a successful season with the Seattle Seahawks, while the Packers struggled to find consistency in their punting game. This move was seen by some as a contributing factor to the Packers' disappointing 6-10 season.
2008: Drafted Ryan Grant
In 2008, Ted Thompson's decision to trade for Ryan Grant in the previous year paid off as Grant became a key player for the Packers.
2009: Praised by Mike Holmgren
In 2009, Mike Holmgren praised Ted Thompson in an interview, noting that his arrival led to better decision-making within the organization.
2009: 2009 NFL Draft
Ted Thompson continued his strategy of building through the draft in 2009, selecting B.J. Raji, Clay Matthews, T.J. Lang, Jarius Wynn, and Brad Jones. These players became key contributors to the team's success, with Matthews, Raji, and Lang earning Pro Bowl selections later in their careers.
2010: 2010 NFL Draft and Key Free Agent Signings
The 2010 NFL Draft and free agency period saw Ted Thompson make several impactful moves, drafting players like Bryan Bulaga, Morgan Burnett, Marshall Newhouse, and James Starks, while signing undrafted free agents like Sam Shields and Frank Zombo. These acquisitions strengthened the Packers' roster and contributed to their Super Bowl XLV victory.
February 11, 2011: Contract Extension
Ted Thompson's success as general manager of the Green Bay Packers, which included a Super Bowl XLV victory, was rewarded with a multi-year contract extension on February 11, 2011. This extension reflected the organization's confidence in his abilities and vision for the team's future.
2011: Defensive Overhaul and Roster Changes
Following a season marked by defensive struggles, Ted Thompson prioritized improving the Packers' defense in 2011. He made several roster changes, including signing free agents Anthony Hargrove, Phillip Merling, and Daniel Muir, as well as releasing veteran players like Nick Collins and Chad Clifton. These moves aimed to address the team's weaknesses and build a more formidable defensive unit.
2011: 2011 NFL Draft and Jordy Nelson's Contract Extension
In 2011, Ted Thompson continued to shape the Packers' roster, selecting Derek Sherrod in the first round of the NFL Draft and signing Randall Cobb, who made a significant impact as a rookie. Additionally, the Packers secured wide receiver Jordy Nelson with a new contract, ensuring his long-term presence in Green Bay.
2011: Won Super Bowl XLV
In 2011, Ted Thompson achieved a significant career milestone by winning Super Bowl XLV as the general manager of the Green Bay Packers.
2017: End of Tenure as GM of Green Bay Packers
Ted Thompson's tenure as the general manager of the Green Bay Packers ended in 2017, capping off a successful period that included a Super Bowl win.
January 1, 2018: Transition to Advisory Role
After a successful tenure as general manager, Ted Thompson transitioned to an advisory role with the Green Bay Packers on January 1, 2018. This move marked the end of his era as the team's primary decision-maker but allowed him to remain involved with the organization in a different capacity.
November 6, 2018: Induction into the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame
On November 6, 2018, Ted Thompson's contributions to the Green Bay Packers were formally recognized through his induction into the team's Hall of Fame.
May 8, 2019: Announcement of Autonomic Disorder Diagnosis
On May 8, 2019, Ted Thompson publicly shared his diagnosis of an autonomic disorder, a condition that impacted his decision to resign from his position.
May 2019: Revealed Autonomic Disorder Diagnosis
In May 2019, Ted Thompson revealed that he had been suffering from an autonomic disorder, a condition that affects involuntary body functions.
January 20, 2021: Death of Ted Thompson
Ted Thompson passed away on January 20, 2021. His career included a notable period as the general manager of the Green Bay Packers from 2005 to 2017.