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 / round: 1 / pick: 18
Career history
Career highlights and awards
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]

References

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  1. ^ Steward, Ameera (September 12, 2019). "Former NFL Players Open Checkers & Rally's across Birmingham area and Pensicola FL". Birmingham Times. Birmingham, Alabama. Retrieved December 31, 2019.
  2. ^ "Lumberton football legend Donnell Thompson dies at 65". Robesonian. September 17, 2024. Retrieved September 18, 2024.
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