Shaq Thompson facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Shaq Thompson

Thompson in 2019
No. 45 – Buffalo Bills
Position:	Linebacker
Personal information
Born:	(1994-04-21) April 21, 1994 (age 31) Sacramento, California, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight:	230 lb (104 kg)
Career information
High school:	Grant Union (Sacramento)
College:	Washington (2012–2014)
NFL Draft:	2015 / Round: 1 / Pick: 25
Career history
Carolina Panthers (2015) Buffalo Bills (2025–present)
Roster status:	Active
Career highlights and awards
Paul Hornung Award (2014) First-team All-American (2014) First-team All-Pac-12 (2014)
Career NFL statistics as of 2024
Total tackles: 752 Sacks: 12.0 Forced fumbles: 4 Fumble recoveries: 4 Pass deflections: 26 Interceptions: 3 Defensive touchdowns: 1
Player stats at PFR

Shaquille Green Thompson, born on April 21, 1994, is a professional American football player. He plays as a linebacker for the Buffalo Bills in the National Football League (NFL). Before joining the NFL, he played college football for the Washington Huskies. In 2014, he was recognized as a top college player, earning All-American honors. Shaq also briefly played baseball for the Boston Red Sox's rookie team. When he started his NFL career with the Carolina Panthers, he often played a special role. This role combined parts of a safety and a linebacker, sometimes called "the Big Nickel."

Early Life and Sports

Shaq Thompson grew up in Sacramento, California. He was a talented athlete at Grant Union High School. He played three different sports: football, track, and baseball.

High School Football Star

In high school, Shaq was a highly praised football player. He was named an All-America player by several sports groups. He was also a finalist for the U.S. Army Player of the Year Award. As a junior, he ran for 1,882 yards and scored 25 touchdowns. In his senior year, he had 57 tackles and ran for 1,134 yards. He also played in the 2012 U.S. Army All-American Bowl.

Baseball and Track & Field

Shaq was also a good baseball player. The Boston Red Sox drafted him in 2012. He played for their rookie team in the Gulf Coast League. However, he decided to stop playing baseball to focus only on football. This was after he struggled at bat, getting no hits in 39 tries.

He was also a fast sprinter in track and field. He competed in the 100-meter and 200-meter dashes. He finished fifth in the 200-meter dash at the 2010 CIF State Track and Field Championships.

Choosing College Football

Many colleges wanted Shaq to play for them. He was considered a top recruit, especially as a safety. He first planned to go to the University of California, Berkeley. But on January 31, 2012, he decided to commit to the University of Washington instead.

College Football Career

Thompson in 2011.

Shaq Thompson played for the University of Washington from 2012 to 2014. He was known for being very flexible, playing different positions. He played safety, slot corner, linebacker, and even running back. In his junior year, he won the Paul Hornung Award for being the most versatile player. He was also named an All-American.

Freshman and Sophomore Years

As a freshman in 2012, Shaq was recognized as a promising player. He made seven tackles in his first college game. He also had a key interception that helped his team win against Cal.

In 2013, his sophomore year, Shaq played in almost every game as a linebacker. He scored a touchdown with an 80-yard interception return against Oregon State. He also had eight tackles in a bowl game win against BYU.

Junior Year Highlights

In 2014, his final year at Washington, Shaq had an amazing season. He won the Paul Hornung Award for being the most versatile player in the nation. He was named a first-team All-American by several major sports networks.

Shaq scored six touchdowns in 2014. Two were as a running back, and four were on defense. He scored two defensive touchdowns in one game against Illinois. This was a rare achievement for a Washington player. He also had a 100-yard fumble return for a touchdown against Cal. He even played mostly running back in some games, rushing for 174 yards and a touchdown against Colorado.

After his fantastic junior season, Shaq decided to enter the 2015 NFL draft. He chose to skip his senior year of college.

Professional NFL Career

Shaq Thompson was a highly anticipated player in the 2015 NFL draft.

Carolina Panthers (2015–2024)

Thompson in his rookie season.

The Carolina Panthers picked Shaq Thompson in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft. He was the 25th player chosen overall. On May 7, 2015, he signed a four-year contract with the Panthers.

Rookie Season (2015)

Shaq started his first NFL game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. On September 27, 2015, he made his first career sack against Drew Brees. He finished his rookie season with 50 tackles and one sack.

The Panthers had a great season, finishing with a 15–1 record. They made it to Super Bowl 50. Shaq played in the Super Bowl, recording five tackles, but the Panthers lost to the Denver Broncos.

Key Seasons (2016–2022)

Thompson in 2016.

In 2016, Shaq continued to play well. He made his first career interception against Philip Rivers. He finished the season with 56 tackles and five passes defended.

In 2017, he became a full-time starter. He had a career-high 61 tackles and two sacks. The Panthers picked up the option to keep him for a fifth year in 2018. That year, he recorded 79 tackles and 3.5 sacks, which was a new career high for him.

In 2019, Shaq signed a new four-year contract with the Panthers. He continued to be a key player, leading the team in tackles in several games. In 2020, he led the team with 12 tackles in a win against the Los Angeles Chargers. He also forced and recovered a fumble.

Thompson (#7) playing against the Washington Football Team in 2021.

In 2021, Shaq changed his jersey number to #7, the number he wore in college. In 2022, he played in all 17 games and set a new career high with 135 tackles. He was the team's leading tackler.

Injuries and Departure from Panthers (2023–2024)

In Week 2 of the 2023 season, Shaq suffered a broken fibula, which is a bone in the lower leg. This injury ended his season early. In 2024, he played in four games before suffering a torn Achilles tendon. This serious injury also ended his season. On February 24, 2025, the Panthers released Shaq Thompson.

Buffalo Bills (2025–Present)

On June 10, 2025, Shaq Thompson signed a one-year contract with the Buffalo Bills. This move reunited him with his former defensive coordinator, Sean McDermott, who is now the Bills' head coach. He also joined Bills general manager Brandon Beane, who was with the Panthers during Shaq's first two NFL seasons.

Career Statistics

Shaq Thompson has had a strong career as a linebacker. Here are some of his statistics:

Personal Life

Shaq Thompson grew up in Sacramento, California. He is the youngest of four brothers. His older brother, Syd'Quan, also played professional football for the Denver Broncos.

On October 14, 2019, Shaq shared on social media that his mother had passed away. This happened just hours after the Panthers won a game in London.