He spent his first five seasons as a backup at halfback and wideout for the Lions (his position at halfback was why he wore #39 even after playing exclusively as a receiver, which is technically outside of the NFL's uniform numbering system [receivers were only limited to wearing numbers between 80 and 89 then]).
In 1980, Thompson earned a starting role as wide receiver opposite Freddie Scott.
He attended Arizona Western College before being discovered by Scouts at Oklahoma State, who convinced Thompson to transfer there.
However, Thompson emerged as a receiver out of the back field, catching five passes for 114 yards and a touchdown.
He was a full-time starter for the first time in his pro career, as he hauled in 30 passes for 550 yards and three touchdowns.
The following season the Lions tail spun into a 4-11-1 record, despite Thompson catching 50 passes for 773 yards, and the emergence of the speedy Jeff Chadwick at receiver.
In a nationally televised Monday Night game against the Chicago Bears, catching a touchdown pass from rookie Chuck Long.
In a Thanksgiving contest against the New York Jets in 1985, Thompson caught three touchdown passes from Eric Hipple as the Lions cruised to a 31-20 win.
Thompson ended his career as the Lions all-time leader in touchdown receptions with 35, a mark that was passed by Herman Moore and later by Calvin Johnson, the latter who is now the Lions all-time leader in touchdown receptions.