Ted Thompson, former Packers general manager, has died at age 68

It is a sad day for the Green Bay Packers organization. Former general manager Ted Thompson has passed away.

The news comes to us from beat writer Tom Silverstein:

Thompson had been dealing with health problems for the past few years, stemming from an disorder of the autonomic nervous system, which regulates many involuntary physical processes in the body. He revealed his condition following his induction into the Packers Hall of Fame in May 2019, a little more than a year after he stepped back as the Packers’ general manager.

Always one to avoid speaking to the media if possible, Thompson’s public role scaled back more and more in his later years with the Packers, likely as a result of his condition. His public availability eventually reduced to a point where he would only publicly speak two or three times each year, usually at the NFL Combine, the NFL Draft, and at the annual Shareholders Meeting. Still, Thompson’s eye for talent remained sharp and he consistently put together a competitive roster, as the Packers made the postseason nine times during their 13 seasons with him serving as general manager.

After a life fully devoted to football, Thompson remained with the Packers in an advisory role even after stepping down from the GM role. He reportedly assisted his successor, Brian Gutekunst, in evaluating players over the past few years.

Our sympathies go out to the Packers organization and Thompson’s family.