Leonard Thompson (American football) facts for kids

Leonard Irwin Thompson (born July 28, 1952 – died August 15, 2021) was an American professional football player. He was a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL). He played his entire career with the Detroit Lions from 1975 to 1986.

Thompson was chosen by the Lions in the 1975 NFL Draft after playing at Oklahoma State University. For his first five seasons, he was a backup player. He played both as a halfback and a wide receiver.

One exciting moment happened on December 11, 1977. Thompson blocked a punt (when a team kicks the ball away). He then ran it for a touchdown (a score in football) with only 14 seconds left. This amazing play helped the Lions win the game 13-10!

In 1980, Thompson became a regular starter as a wide receiver. He caught 19 passes for 511 yards and 3 touchdowns that year. Over the next six seasons, he caught many more passes and scored 26 touchdowns. In 1985, he was the Lions' top receiver, catching 51 passes for 736 yards and 5 touchdowns.

Thompson played all 12 seasons of his career with the Detroit Lions. He scored 39 touchdowns in total before his career ended in 1987.

Playing Football in College

Leonard Thompson played high school football at Pueblo High in Arizona. He first went to Arizona Western College. Scouts from Oklahoma State University then noticed him and he transferred there.

Thompson started playing as a running back for the Oklahoma State Cowboys in 1973. He carried the ball 90 times for 518 yards and scored six touchdowns. In his senior year in 1974, Thompson played both running back and wide receiver. He also showed his athletic skills by even throwing one touchdown pass!

Playing Football Professionally

The Detroit Lions picked Leonard Thompson in the 1975 NFL Draft. He was the 194th player chosen overall. Thompson played for the Lions longer than any other player picked by the team that year.

For his first four seasons, Thompson played in every game. However, he was not always a starter. Even when he started only one game in 1978, he still caught four touchdown passes! His first professional touchdown was a 19-yard pass from quarterback Gary Danielson.

Becoming a Starter

Thompson really started to shine during the 1980 season. His best year was in 1981 when he became a full-time starter. He caught 30 passes for 550 yards and three touchdowns.

The Lions had some changes at quarterback during these years. But Thompson was always a strong player for the team's offense. In a playoff game in 1982, Thompson caught seven passes for 150 yards. The Lions won their division the next season. They lost a close game to the San Francisco 49ers in the playoffs. Thompson caught six passes in that game.

Later Career and Records

In 1986, which was his last season in the NFL, Thompson caught 25 passes for 320 yards and five touchdowns. He had a great moment in a nationally televised game against the Chicago Bears. He caught a touchdown pass from rookie quarterback Chuck Long.

Thompson also had a memorable game on Thanksgiving in 1985. He caught three touchdown passes from Eric Hipple. This helped the Lions win 31-20 against the New York Jets.

Thompson's NFL career ended in 1987. He finished his career as one of the Lions' top players for touchdown receptions. He scored 35 touchdowns, which was a team record at the time. Later, other great players like Herman Moore and Calvin Johnson passed his record. Thompson is still remembered as one of the Lions' best wide receivers.