The Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame Inc. announced on Nov. 6 that it will induct former Packers executive vice president, general manager and director of football operations Ted Thompson at the 49th Hall of Fame Induction Banquet. The banquet will be held in the Lambeau Field Atrium Saturday, May 4, 2019, a new time of year for the event.
"We are thrilled to present Ted as the 162nd inductee into the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame," said Tom Konop, president of Packers Hall of Fame Inc. "The Hall of Fame nominating committee, made up of some of the most respected football purists, pointed to Ted's accomplishments of nine playoff seasons, and winning Super Bowl XLV, as part of his acumen resulting in this honor. His drafting of Aaron Rodgers was obviously one of the most important draft picks in Packers history. Ted was also responsible for assisting with the success of numerous coaches and scouts around the league. With his induction into the Packers Hall of Fame we are proud and honored that Ted will take his rightful place as part of Packers history forever."
Information about tickets for the banquet, which begins with a cash bar at 4:30 p.m., with dinner and program to follow at 7 p.m., is still being finalized and will be released in the near future at www.packershalloffame.com.
"I think it's one of those things that's too big to think about, really, for one person. You just don't think in those large of terms. I had trouble believing it was true." Thompson said on being selected for induction. "You think about all the great players that have come through here and done great things, and you're not one of those people. These are great idols, and I'm just a scout. But anyway, I was very fired up about it though. I mean it surprised me, but I was very, very excited.
"I'm proud of this team. I'm proud of the contributions we made, and it's a big thing in my opinion…It's a neat thing to be part of the Green Bay Packers, to be a little part of what made this a great place."
The banquet, which had previously taken place in July for many years, now will be held annually in May to better accommodate the football and summer schedules. The change was made following feedback from banquet attendees and supporters, and will allow for more time between the banquet and the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame Inc. Golf Classic, the two main events hosted by Packers Hall of Fame Inc. each year.
"We're also looking forward to establishing a new time of year for the banquet," Konop said. "It will fit in very well with Hall of Fame Inc.'s schedule during the spring and summer."
The Golf Classic is set for Monday, July 8, 2019, at The Bull in Sheboygan Falls, Wis. Please contact Holly Borga at (920) 965-6986 or at hollyb@packershalloffame.com for more information.
Thompson served as Packers executive vice president, general manager and director of football operations for 13 seasons (2005-17) and currently serves as senior advisor to football operations. His tenure as GM was highlighted by a victory in Super Bowl XLV and six NFC North titles, including a team-record four consecutive division crowns from 2011-2014. During Thompson's time as GM, Green Bay registered eight seasons with 10-plus victories and an NFC-best regular season record of 125-82-1 (.603). He helped the Packers make four appearances in the NFC Championship Game during his tenure, the most in the NFC over that span.
From 2005-17, Thompson drafted 18 players who went on to be named to at least one Pro Bowl, including two-time league MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers, tied for the most in the NFL over that span. The Super Bowl XLV roster was truly built by Thompson, as 19 of 22 starters and 49 of 53 players on the roster were acquired by Thompson via the draft, free agency, trades or the waiver wire during his time in Green Bay. In becoming the ninth general manager in club history, Thompson rejoined the team with which he received his start in 1992. During his first stint with Green Bay from 1992-99, he was instrumental in providing talent that produced an 83-45 record (.648), six straight playoff berths, two Super Bowl appearances and the 1996 world championship. Following the 1999 season, Thompson spent five years as VP of football operations for the Seattle Seahawks before returning to Green Bay in 2005 to become GM.
The Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame Inc. is a nonprofit corporation independent of the Green Bay Packers that guides the Hall as a historic national sports venue and educational resource to the Green Bay community and the state of Wisconsin. The Hall raises funds through its annual induction banquet, Golf Classic and other events to preserve the history of the Green Bay Packers and expand its archives. Historic memorabilia donated by individuals to the Hall may qualify as tax-deductible gifts.
Originally established in 1967 as a temporary display in the concourse of the Brown County Veterans Memorial Arena, the Packers Hall of Fame moved into its own facility in 1976 near Lambeau Field. In 2003, it was relocated to the lower level of the Lambeau Field Atrium, and it was closed in November 2013 for renovations. The Packers Hall of Fame reopened in August of 2015, and is now located on the main floor of the Atrium across from 1919 Kitchen & Tap. Groups interested in booking tours and those seeking additional information may visit the Hall online at packers.com/lambeau-field/hall-of-fame/visit.html.
