Jack Thompson (b. 1956) is considered one of
the best Quarterbacks in the history of Washington State
University football. He was the starting quarterback for
the WSU Cougars from 1976 through 1978, and was ninth in
the voting for the Heisman Trophy his senior year.
Thompson, of Samoan heritage, was nicknamed "The Throwin'
Samoan" for his prowess as a passer.
Jack Thompson's quarterback exploits at Washington
State University placed him in the record books with the
most passing yards in NCAA history up to that point in
time, throwing for 7,818 yards. Thompson set Pac-10
records for pass attempts, pass completions and touchdown
passes. Jack Thompson was named All-Conference three
times in his career at WSU, and he was either a
first-team, second-team or honorable mention All-American
three times. He is one of only two players in Washinton
State history to have his number retired.
Following his college career, Jack Thompson was
drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals as the third pick of
the first round in the NFL draft. He played for the
Bengals until going to Tampa Bay for the 1983 season. He
retired after the 1984 NFL season.
After his NFL career ended, Jack Thompson returned to
Seattle and entered the mortgage banking industry.
Thompson kept his hand in football as a volunteer
quarterbacks coach at Ballard High School in Seattle.
Thompson's son Tony, who played tight end, also played
football at Washington State University.
Following the disasterous tenure of WSU coach Paul
Wulff in 2011, Jack Thompson's name came up in rumors as
a possible replacement as the head coach of the
Washington State University Cougars. Mike
Leach was eventually named as the new WSU coach.
