Donnell Thompson

Not to be confused with the American football linebacker in the 2000s Donnel Thompson.

Larry Donnell Thompson (October 27, 1958 – September 17, 2024) was an American professional football player who was a defensive end for the Baltimore/Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL). Thompson played college football for the North Carolina Tar Heels.

Donnell Thompson

No. 99
Position:	Defensive end
Personal information
Born:	(1958-10-27)October 27, 1958 Lumberton, North Carolina, U.S.
Died:	September 17, 2024(2024-09-17) (aged 65)
Height:	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Weight:	270 lb (122 kg)
Career information
High school:	Lumberton
College:	North Carolina
NFL draft:	1981: 1st round, 18th pick
Career history
Baltimore/Indianapolis Colts (1981–1991)
Career highlights and awards
PFWA All-Rookie Team (1981) First-team All-ACC (1980)
Career NFL statistics
Sacks: 41.0 Fumble recoveries: 8 Touchdowns: 1 Stats at Pro Football Reference

After leaving the NFL, Thompson became a franchisee for McDonald's in Atlanta, Georgia. He purchased his own franchise in 1998 and later opened franchises for Choice Hotels International, Zaxby's, Denny's and Checkers Drive-In, sometimes in partnership with his former roommate Ron Wooten.^[1] Thompson died on September 17, 2024, at the age of 65.^[2]