Donnell Thompson, a 1981 first-round pick who spent his entire 11-year career with the Colts, died recently. He was 65.
Thompson was selected by the Baltimore Colts with the 18th overall pick in the 1981 NFL Draft and became an immediate starter for the Colts, earning PFWA All-Rookie honors that year. He played in 147 career games, starting 143, between 1981-1991. Thompson totaled 41 sacks in his career and was a key contributor on the 1987 Colts, the first Colts team to make the postseason since the franchise moved to Indianapolis in 1984.
Thompson was born in Lumberton, N.C. and went to college at North Carolina – where he played alongside future Hall of Fame defensive lineman Lawrence Taylor.
After Thompson's playing career ended, Thompson carved out a successful career in the world of fast food restaurant franchises. After retiring, Thompson purchased his first McDonald's franchise; he later transitioned to owning nine Checker's and Rally's restaurants across the Southeast.
Throughout his franchise locations, Thompson emphasized making them a part of the community. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Thompson's restaurants served kids free lunch every day; his community impacts went beyond the pandemic as well.
"We always get involved with the community because that's who's going to be purchasing our food," Thompson said. "... In my hometown, at the same high school I went to, we sponsor their football team. Many times, we'll bring the football team in, and we'll have hamburger-eating contests and will raise money for them. After the game, the players eat free. We do some pregame lunches since a lot of the sports teams around here may not have enough money to do what's right by the kids. So, we'll step in and fill that gap ... for a lot of those kids that don't have the money and have a difficult time trying to be in sports and still taking care of their bodies."
