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Packers: Green Bay honors late GM Ted Thompson with billboard

ByCole Thompson|
ARLINGTON, TX - FEBRUARY 06: President and CEO of the Green Bay Packers Mark Murphy holds up the Vince Lombardi Trophy after winning Super Bowl XLV against the Pittsburgh Steelers 31-25 as TV personality Terry Bradshaw (L), NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell (2nd L) and Green Bay Packers General Manager Ted Thompson look on at Cowboys Stadium on February 6, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. The Packers defeated the Steelers 31-25. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - FEBRUARY 06: President and CEO of the Green Bay Packers Mark Murphy holds up the Vince Lombardi Trophy after winning Super Bowl XLV against the Pittsburgh Steelers 31-25 as TV personality Terry Bradshaw (L), NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell (2nd L) and Green Bay Packers General Manager Ted Thompson look on at Cowboys Stadium on February 6, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. The Packers defeated the Steelers 31-25. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/Getty Images)

The legacy of Ted Thompson lives on with the Green Bay Packers and their fanbase. 

As the Green Bay Packers prepare for their NFC Championship matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, they’ll be doing so with a heavy heart. The city of Green Bay lost an icon in light of their second consecutive conference weekend.

Former general manager Ted Thompson died Wednesday at his home in Texas. He was 68 years old at the time of his passing. The Packers released a statement following the tragic news of their beloved former GM.

Thompson’s legacy will forever be enshrined inside Lambeau Field. As a scout, he played a key role in adding Brett Favre to the mix. As a GM, Thompson brought the Packers their first title in over a decade in 2011.

Green Bay took their statement a bit further on Friday. Just outside of Lambeau Field, a billboard sits waiting to greet fans.

Thompson’s legacy could come full circle Sunday

After 20 years with the franchise, Thompson is best known for his selection of Aaron Rodgers. Despite having a legend in Favre in tow (at that time), Thompson trusted that the former Cal prospect would keep the team afloat following No. 4’s retirement.

Rodgers took to Twitter personally to thank Thompson for giving him a shot in 2005. Now, he’s a game away from heading to his second Super Bowl.

“I’m really thankful for Ted. The fact that I was his first draft pick will always link us together,” Rodgers said. “I always appreciated his steady hand and the conversations that we would have. He always made things pretty clear about what he expected from the team and what he expected from me.”

Thompson has mixed reviews with draft picks towards the end of his career, but the history of Green Bay standouts run strong. Among players Thompson selected include Rodgers, Davante Adams, Randall Cobb, Jordy Nelson, Mason Crosby, David Bakhtiari, TJ Lang, Corey Linsley, Bryan Bulaga, Aaron Jones and Kenny Clark.

No doubt Sunday, the Packers will be dedicating the game to Ted. There won’t be a dry eye for Green Bay fans when the team pays respect.

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