He played college football for the Clemson Tigers and was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the third round of the 2012 NFL draft.

Regarded as a four-star recruit by Rivals.com, Thompson was listed as the ninth best defensive tackle prospect of his class.

He played in the team's final 12 games and recorded 15 tackles and a sack.

Thompson was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the third round, 93rd overall, in the 2012 NFL draft.

[3] On March 25, 2016, Thompson signed a one-year contract with the Bengals that will keep him through the 2016 season.