Donnell Thompson was a longtime defensive end for the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts, who later became a community-minded business owner.
- Died: September 17, 2024 (Who else died on September 17?)
- Details of death: Died at the age of 65.
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Donnell Thompson’s legacy
Born in Lumberton, North Carolina, Donnell Thompson was a star athlete in high school and an even bigger star with the North Carolina Tar Heels, where he was a three-year starting defensive tackle who caught the attention of NFL scouts. The Baltimore Colts – now the Indianapolis Colts – picked him in the first round in 1981, and he was a starter right away. Thompson proved his mettle immediately, too, earning Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie honors his debut year.
Thompson played 11 years with the Colts, appearing in 147 games overall. He became known as a hard hitter who was fast on his feet.
But, Thompson once told the Indianapolis Star, he played just long enough to set himself up for a good life after his on-the-field days were over. Even before he retired, he owned an Atlanta fast-food franchise, and Thompson eventually came to own nine franchise locations between North Carolina and Alabama. He made a point of being close to the communities he served, providing free lunches to kids during the COVID-19 lockdowns, sponsoring and feeding the team at his old high school, Lumberton High – players ate for free after every game – and much more.
Notable quote
“We do some pregame lunches since a lot of the sports teams around here may not have enough money to do what’s right by the kids. So, we’ll step in and fill that gap … for a lot of those kids that don’t have the money and have a difficult time trying to be in sports and still taking care of their bodies.” — interview with Nation’s Restaurant News, 2023
Tributes to Donnell Thompson
Full obituary: Indianapolis Star
