Thompson's professional football career began unceremoniously in 1940 with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but he found his stride with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he played from 1941–1942 and then from 1945–1950, after serving two years in the U.S. Army during World War II. His tenure with the Eagles was marked by significant achievements, including back-to-back NFL championships in 1948 and 1949, selections as Second-team All-Pro in 1948, a Pro Bowl appearance in 1942, and leading the NFL in passer rating in 1948 and 1949.
Thompson was instrumental in the Eagles' success during the late 1940s, contributing to the team's three straight NFL championship appearances from 1947 to 1949. His collaboration with Hall of Fame running back Steve Van Buren was pivotal, with Thompson throwing for 57 total touchdowns across these three seasons. The Eagles' victory in the 1948 NFL Championship Game, played in a notorious snowstorm at Shibe Park, remains one of the most memorable games in NFL history, with Thompson and Van Buren playing key roles in the win.
After his NFL career, Thompson transitioned to coaching and continued to play briefly, including a stint with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 1953, where he also served as a backfield coach. His coaching career extended through the mid-1950s, with positions including backfield coach for the Chicago Cardinals in 1955 and assistant coach for the Calgary Stampeders from 1956 to 1958.
Despite his significant contributions on the field, Thompson is one of the few eligible NFL quarterbacks with multiple championships not yet inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. His legacy as a skilled quarterback and a clever ballhandler who overcame personal adversity to achieve professional success remains a testament to his determination and skill in the early years of professional football.
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