John Thompson

John Albert Thompson (May 19, 1927 – May 24, 2022) was an American football executive. He served as the first general manager of the Seattle Seahawks from 1976 to 1982.

Early life and education Thompson was born on May 19, 1927, and grew up in South Bend, Washington. In high school, he was valedictorian of his class. Thompson attended the University of Washington, but left before receiving a degree.

Executive career Thompson worked as an assistant to University of Washington sports information director Bert Rose and replaced him when Rose joined the Los Angeles Rams in 1955. He left after their win in the 1961 Rose Bowl over the Minnesota Golden Gophers.

In 1961, Thompson reunited with Rose, who was then the general manager of Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL).

In , Thompson was named assistant to the president of the National Football Conference (NFC), who at the time was George Halas. They went 5–9 in the following year, which was at the time the best record for an expansion team in their second season.

Later life and death Thompson was never again a member of an NFL team but did have a stint with the Sports and Events Council of the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce before announcing his retirement.

Thompson had three children with his wife Marilyn and was married to her for 71 years. He remained a fan of the Seahawks for the rest of his life after his stint with the team. He was a resident of the Seattle area until 2018, when he moved to Las Vegas, Nevada. Thompson died in Las Vegas on May 24, 2022, five days after his 95th birthday.