After retiring from the NFL, Thompson returned to his hometown of Knoxville, Tennessee, where he works as a developer and community advocate.
[6] Following his senior season, Thompson was named to the All-American teams of several publications, including Parade and USA Today.
[11][12] Thompson continued splitting time with Brown in the backfield during his sophomore year in 1988, as Thomas missed the season with an injury.
[18] After Steelers tailback Barry Foster returned from injury in 1992 and won the starting spot, Thompson developed primarily into a third-down threat.
[21] In October 1993, Thompson, playing for the injured Foster, carried 16 times for 101 yards in the Steelers' win over New Orleans.
[21] Prior to the start of the 1994 season, Thompson was traded to New England, where Coach Bill Parcells was seeking a running back with receiving ability to complement tailback Marion Butts.
[28] In New England's loss to Cleveland in the first round of the playoffs, Thompson scored a second-quarter touchdown that temporarily gave his team the lead.
[33] Keeping a promise he had made to himself, he returned to Knoxville following his playing days to help the city's struggling urban neighborhoods.
Thompson sought to draw self-sustaining businesses to Knoxville's inner city neighborhoods to create jobs, as well as provide opportunities for minority contractors.