Long-time Packers GM, former Seahawks VP Ted Thompson dies

Ted Thompson, a long-time NFL personnel man who spent nearly 30 years with the Green Bay Packers, died on Wednesday.

As a player, Thompson spent nine seasons as a member of the Houston Oilers, appearing in 146 games as a linebacker. After retirement, Thompson joined the Packers organization as an assistant in the front office, before becoming Director of Pro Personnel and then Director of Player Personnel. In 2000, Thompson left Green Bay to work alongside Mike Holmgren in Seattle, as the Seahawks’ Vice President of Football Operations.

In 2005, Thompson returned to the Packers as general manager, a position he held for the next 12 seasons. In 2018, Thompson transitioned into an advisory role and later revealed he was suffering from an autonomic disorder, which had forced him into semi-retirement.

Both Ron Wolf proteges, Thompson had a huge hand in Seahawks GM John Schneider’s career and success, as well. The pair were brought on by Wolf in the early 1990s and when Thompson left for Seattle, Schneider came with him as his Director of Player Personnel. They would spend another four years together upon Thompson’s return to Green Bay, before Schneider took Seattle’s GM job. Schneider issued a statement on Thompson’s passing, via the team’s PR.

Thompson was 68 years old.