Former Packers GM Ted Thompson Dead at 68

Kyle Engman / CC

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) –  Ted Thompson former Green Bay Packers GM, and the man responsible for drafting Aaron Rodgers, has died . He was 68.

Thompson had been general manager since 2005. He was the architect of the team that won Super Bowl XLV five years later. Thompson’s first draft choice was quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who is a leading contender for the NFL MVP award this year.

He was inducted into the Packers Hall of Fame in 2019. The team also plans on adding his name to the facade of Lambeau Field ahead of the start of next season.

Those with the Green Bay Packers who knew Ted Thompson best are reflecting on the massive impact the late general manager had on the team…and the league as a whole.

“He was a walking example of how to do this job the right way,” said current Packers General Manager, Brian Gutekunst. “Honest, hard-working, his integrity was off the charts. His steady hand, I think that was always the most impressive thing about Ted Thompson – when tough times came, he was the one who guided the ship.”

Gutekunst says Thompson’s ethics were unmatched. And while he made some moves that weren’t quite so popular with fans, two things always took precedence…what was best for the player? And what is best for the Green Bay Packers?

“The lessons we learned from him about how to do things the right way, with integrity and humility, and always keeping the players and this team first in the decisions that we make. I think that’s really impactful for the entire organization…He made some really tough decisions that were right for the organization,” Gutekunst said. “That’s what’s so great about this place, is that they love our players so much. And there’s tough decisions that have to be made, not everybody’s going to be fond of it, and he made a lot of them.”

Packers President and CEO Mark Murphy reflected on Thompson’s tenure.

“His record speaks for itself,” Murphy said. “At the Superbowl or during the draft he just had a calmness to him, and it was just a quiet confidence.”

Gutekunst also recalled a conversation he had with Thompson as rumors began to swirl about Brett Favre’s return, and says it was representative of how he operated.

“He said ‘Brian, I’m just praying that I do the right thing for the organization and the player.’ It’s not that easy, but that’s what’s important – is doing the best thing for the organization and the player,” Gutekunst said.

And again, while Thompson had a reputation among fans for being more draft-focused to build the team, Murphy points out that he did bring in major impact players from the free agent pool including Hall of Famer Charles Woodson, Julius Peppers, and others.

“The impact that Ted had not only on our organization, but throughout the National Football League, with the scouts that have gone on to different organizations. He was such an impactful person that this place is still benefiting today. It’s just been a huge, huge loss,” Gutekunst said.

As for the upcoming NFC Championship game and potential Super Bowl berth this weekend…

“Not only because of the opportunity to go out and win a championship, I think this particular team would’ve been one that he would really enjoy being around. The players that we have, the spirit that it has, just really fit him,” Gutekunst said.

Many current and former players, as well as rivals, also reacted to the news on Twitter.

My condolences to TED THOMPSON FAMILY, he did a lot for @packers nation!!

— leroy butler (@leap36) January 21, 2021

My sincere condolences to the Thompson family. Ted was a great man and great GM for the Packers. I’ll always remember my draft day phone call. He asked me if “I’d have his back?” And I responded with saying “Not only his back, but Aaron Rodgers back too.” #RIP #ThankyouTed

— David Bakhtiari (@DavidBakhtiari) January 21, 2021

I’m saddened to hear the news of Ted Thompson’s passing. I can’t say enough good things about Ted. I always enjoyed the lunch room conversations and sideline chats we had and I will always feel indebted to him for taking a chance on this unproven kid. RIP TT 🙏🏼

— Clay Matthews III (@ClayMatthews52) January 21, 2021

Minnesota Vikings General Manager Rick Spielman on the passing of Ted Thompson pic.twitter.com/D8oxScnEbx

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) January 21, 2021