A profound sadness is engulfing Lambeau Field after the official confirmation that former Green Bay Packers defensive end Ryan Thompson has passed away at the age of 35.
Thompson passed away on April 23, leaving a huge void in the hearts of Packers fans and the broader NFL community.
His family shared an emotional statement on social media, saying Ryan took his last breath on this earth and his first breath in heaven.
Thompson joined the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 2014. Despite giving his all throughout training camp and preseason games, he was cut before the regular season began and was only kept on the practice squad for a short time.
Although Thompson’s time wearing a Packers uniform was quite short, he is still deeply loved by many Packers fans who always remember his NFL journey and his relentless effort in the green and gold.
After leaving Green Bay, Thompson joined the Chicago Bears, where he spent the majority of his career across six impressive seasons. He also had stints with the Minnesota Vikings in 2018 and the Detroit Lions in 2019 before returning for a final chapter with another NFC North team.
In a total of 82 NFL games, Thompson recorded 142 tackles and 6.5 sacks, performing consistently as a rotational defensive end.
The 2017 season was the pinnacle of his career, when he started 12 games and set a personal record with 35 tackles while providing solid run defense in the trenches.
Packers fans are still grieving the Super Bowl dream that never became reality — the dream of seeing Thompson help the green and gold team hoist another Lombardi Trophy alongside the greats in Titletown.
Today, Lambeau Field is immersed in sorrow as fans and team leadership come together to recall emotional memories of the former Packers player.
Many former teammates and coaches have sent sincere condolences to Thompson’s family during this incredibly difficult time.
Thompson was known as a hardworking, blue-collar player who always gave everything he had, even though he was not a big star in the league.
A University of Wisconsin graduate, he brought professionalism and relentless determination throughout his 8 NFL seasons.
Despite battling numerous injuries and hardships, Thompson maintained his full passion for football until his final moments.
The entire NFL community has united to send warm tributes to the talented former defensive end.
In Green Bay, although he only wore the Packers uniform for a short time, Thompson still holds a special place in the hearts of the fans who appreciate his Midwest grit and work ethic.
Even though the Super Bowl dream with the Packers never came true, it will forever remain an inspiration for the next generation of players who walk through the gates of Lambeau.
Thompson’s sudden death is a profound reminder of the fragility of life and the value of every single moment on the football field.
Ryan Thompson leaves behind a lasting legacy — the image of a quiet warrior with an indomitable spirit — in the hearts of all football fans.
He will forever be remembered by Packers fans, Bears fans, and the entire NFL with the deepest respect and sincerest gratitude. 🧀💚
