Statement by Mike McCarthy on the loss of Ted Thompson

FRISCO, Texas – Thursday saw a surge of support from the NFL community, as the league dealt with the news of the passing of Ted Thompson, a longtime Green Bay Packers executive.

Understandably, Mike McCarthy was one of many to offer warm words and condolences for the loss of Thompson, who served in the Packers front office for 24 years – and who was the general manager who hired McCarthy to be. head coach of the team in 2005..

McCarthy’s full statement is below:

“You will hear a lot of people telling you great things about Ted Thompson and what he meant to them and every word will be true. But when I think of Ted, who he was as a man, will always carry more weight. There has never been a finer human being to walk the playing fields or be present in the recognition rooms.

Ted gave me the opportunity of a lifetime. As a young, first-time head coach who thought I had all the answers, I couldn’t have been matched with a more perfect leader. He taught me patience. I will forever remember all the times he would just smile at me and say, “Slow down, young man.”

He has always protected and reinforced the importance of the tradition and history of the Green Bay Packers. It wasn’t enough to win – it was just as important to win the right way. He exuded these qualities in everything he approached in football and in life.

Ted was very private and not many people got to see the things I will miss the most about him – his sense of humor, his stories and the kindness of such a good man. I have tremendous gratitude and appreciation for the opportunities he offers me and my family.

Ted was a man of extreme faith who gives me peace knowing he’s in a better place, but I also know, for those whose lives he’s touched, we are all better because of the weather we have. could be with him.

Slow down, my friend. What a life you have led and what an example you have illustrated. ”

Thompson served as General Manager of the Packers from 2005 to 2017, not only hiring McCarthy, but helping bring together the Green Bay squad that won Super Bowl XLV at AT&T Stadium. He was also the team’s professional personnel director in 1996, when the Packers won Super Bowl XXXI.