A star receiver and defensive back at Arizona State where he was one of the “Touchdown Twins” along with Joe Hernandez (later of the Argos and Eskimos), Thompson was drafted by the Detroit Lions and  Dallas Texans but signed instead with the Alouettes. He starred in the January 1962 All-America Bowl, catching nine passes. Through two seasons he became a favourite pass receiver of QB Sandy Stephens, however it was his defensive abilities that drew the rave reviews. Thompson became disillusioned with the team both in terms of competitiveness and the financial offer he was given, and played out his option in 1963. He signed with Detroit for $18,000 and played in the NFL for the next six seasons (five in Detroit and one in New Orleans) as a defensive back.

In a football rarity, Thompson rejoined the Alouettes to close out his career.  Thompson rejoined the Alouettes for the 1970 playoffs when injuries struck the team and he was with Montreal when they won the Grey that year.  Thompson played one more year in Montreal, recording six interceptions in 1971.  Thompson was one of severl veterans released in April, 1972. He was part of a roster purge of starters by head coach Sam Etcheverry that began, quite strangely, with a disagreement about the 1970 Grey Cup rings. The dispute which boiled throughout 1971 led to the resignation of assistant coach Bob Ward and the end of  GM Red O’Quinn. However, with a new managerial regime in place in 1973, Thompson was invited to the 1973 Alouettes training camp by head coach Marv Levy but declined the offer, choosing to stay in his job with Ford in Los Angeles, and probably feeling he had seen enough of the Larks administrations to last a lifetime.

[Bio by Wes Cross]

NFL Stats For Bobby Lee Thompson

Thompson Signs With Alouettes - December 16, 1961

Ofence, Defence Prove Same For Bobby Lee - August 15, 1962

Thompson Returns To Als for 1970 Playoffs and Grey Cup - November 12, 1970

Thompson Among Three Vets Released - April 24, 1972

Ward Blast Claims Etcheverry Incompetent - June 16, 1972

Destruction of a Powerhouse that Never Was - August 26, 1972

Bobby Lee Thompson at Arizona State

Kick Returns