GREEN BAY – Ted Thompson didn't want it to be about him.
The late Packers general manager often went to great lengths to reroute any praise he received for building a perennial winner in Green Bay to the players, the coaches and his scouts.
But never himself.
For 13 years, Thompson was the quiet torchbearer responsible for protecting one of the NFL's most prized fortresses. He was humble, determined, and loyal.
His first draft pick (Aaron Rodgers) became a three-time MVP. His first marquee free agent (Charles Woodson) reignited a Hall of Fame career with the Packers. His first coaching hire (Mike McCarthy) would be Thompson's only.
Yet, Thompson never took credit for any of it. He was the kind of person who'd rather paint the portrait than bask in the glory of achievement, which makes a night like tonight slightly ironic.
After 125 victories, 121 draft picks, nine playoff appearances and a Super Bowl XLV championship, Thompson will take his place next to 25 other Packers legends when his name officially is added to the Lambeau Field façade during halftime of Green Bay's home opener against the Detroit Lions.
"He's probably the finest talent evaluator, specifically the draft, that I've ever been around," said current Packers General Manager Brian Gutekunst this past week. "He wouldn't like all this pomp and circumstance but he certainly deserves it."
Thompson, who passed away in January at 68, presided over the Packers' personnel department for 13 years, though he had a way of making it feel more like a partnership than anything else.
Thompson and his front office drafted 121 players that went on to play in 7,302 NFL games with 3,997 starts. Seventeen players made at least one Pro Bowl appearance as members of the Packers, in addition to three undrafted players acquired by Thompson (Tramon Williams, John Kuhn and Sam Shields).
The Packers enjoyed unrivaled success during Thompson's tenure, including a franchise-record four consecutive NFC North division crowns from 2011-14. Given Thompson's low-key persona, his accomplishments often went understated.
"I just had so much respect for Ted … so humble," said President/CEO Mark Murphy earlier this summer after the announcement of the stadium honor for Thompson. "I don't think he's gotten the credit he deserves for what he accomplished with the Packers. So, I think this is very fitting."
https://www.packers.com/news/ted-thompson-kept-the-lights-shining-on-lambeau-field