The Green Bay Packers organization received some sad news on Thursday, just days before they take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC Championship Game.
Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported former Packers general manager and franchise icon Ted Thompson died at the age of 68 on Wednesday night.
Very sad news. Just heard from two sources that former #Packers GM Ted Thompson died last night. He had just turned 68 on Jan. 17.
— Tom Silverstein (@TomSilverstein) January 21, 2021
Thompson was one of the definitive figures in franchise history.
The former linebacker first began working with the Packers in 1992, when he was an assistant director of player personnel and later named director. After a brief stint with the Seattle Seahawks, Thompson returned to Green Bay in 2005, replacing Mike Sherman. Thompson would immediately make his stamp on the franchise with his very first draft pick.
Green Bay already had one of the most legendary quarterbacks in NFL history in Brett Favre. But the gunslinger was aging, and Thompson understood the need for a transition plan.
Thus, when California quarterback Aaron Rodgers—who had previously generated buzz as a potential No. 1 overall pick—fell all the way to the 24th selection in the 2005 NFL Draft, Green Bay was quick to snatch him up.
Thompson's choice paid immediate dividends. Rodgers led the Packers to the playoffs in his second year on the job. One year later, he helped the Packers win the Super Bowl for the first time since 1997, thanks also in part to a tremendous defense that featured Clay Matthews and Charles Woodson, among others.
Green Bay would go on to make two more conference championship games in Thompson's stead. He would later leave the team after being diagnosed with autonomic disorder in 2019.
The Packers are preparing to get back to the Super Bowl. First, however, they will take time to honor one of the beloved figures in franchise history.
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