The Green Bay Packers will honor former general manager and franchise stalwart Ted Thompson's legacy at Lambeau Field.
Thompson died Wednesday night at the age of 68. The Packers announced they will honor the longtime GM by displaying his name next to the Lambeau Field facade:
“To honor Thompson’s contributions to the organization’s success and recognize his legacy, the team will install his name on the Lambeau Field façade before next season,” the team announced, via Matt Schneidman of The Athletic.
Thompson officially served as Packers GM from 2005 to 2017, winning a Super Bowl with the team in 2010. But the accomplishments only speak to so much. In reality, Thompson's first-ever draft pick set the tone for the next 16 years and beyond.
The Packers were one of the winningest in the NFC when Thompson took over, having won three straight NFC North titles. Green Bay also had a legendary figure under center in Brett Favre.
But when the opportunity to select Favre's eventual successor presented itself in the 2005 NFL draft, Thompson took it. He drafted California quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who had fallen all the way to the 24th pick. The rest is history.
Rodgers made his debut in 2008, leading the Packers to a Lombardi Trophy just two years later. He has also brought Green Bay to four NFC Championships since 2010, including Sunday's date with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The quarterback Thompson drafted will lead the Packers into battle this weekend. Rodgers will attempt to honor Thompson's legacy with another Super Bowl, while the franchise will officially stamp his name on the facade next season.
Follow Us
Subscribe