[4] In 1961, Thompson reunited with Rose, who was then the general manager of Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL).

[3] Thompson served as the team's publicity director until he was promoted assistant general manager in 1966.

[5] In 1971, Thompson was named assistant to the president of the National Football Conference (NFC), who at the time was George Halas.

[2][4] In March 1975, Thompson was named the general manager for the new Seattle NFL franchise, which began play in 1976.

[2][4] Wellington Mara, a Pro Football Hall of Famer and owner of the New York Giants, said "Seattle could not have made a better choice.

[2][6][8] Thompson was never again a member of an NFL team but did have a stint with the Sports and Events Council of the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce before announcing his retirement.