Former Kennedy football alum Jason Thompson is keeping at his NFL dream

EDITOR’S NOTE: The following Sports story is sponsored by the Kenner Dental Group: By Luke Olson Sports Editor Despite being cut for the fourth time in the NFL, it is not stopping a Kennedy Catholic alum giving up the dream of earning a roster spot with a team.  His name is Jason Thompson, the ‘first-team’ standout quarterback for the Lancers, leading them to a Seamount Conference Championship in 2011. Thompson was a threat on both sides of the ball, earning honors such as ‘All-State Defensive Back’ and ‘Defensive Back of the Year’ his senior season. Thompson took his talents to the collegiate level at Wyoming University, where he saw mixed playing time at different positions. He started six games as a true freshman, with a couple at running back. The next season he redshirted, but then decided to transfer to Utah University in 2014. His offensive career went into a hiatus. He originally transferred to the Utes as a quarterback—but the team decided that he fit best at safety and special teams. Due to NCAA transfer rules, he was not eligible to play that first season, but was allowed to play in the Las Vegas Bowl, and made an impact immediately. The first play of the game, the Utes ran a trick play and Thompson lined up at receiver. He received a lateral from the running back and Thompson threw a lateral to the quarterback that resulted in a 36-yard gain. “Just trying to do whatever I could help the team win,” Thompson said via text. He played a key role for Utah on special teams, playing a total of 25 games in two seasons and a few games at safety. He went undrafted in the 2017 NFL Draft, but was picked up by the five-time Super Bowl Champions, the New England Patriots soon after. His time with the Patriots was short — along with the other couple teams — but that is not stopping Thompson from keeping at his hopes of joining a team. “It has been a long road to get to this point,” he said. “But, I am a firm believer in following your dreams. It is never anything personal when they let you go, it is just business, so you just have to be confident and stay ready because you never know when it is going to be your last shot. For some, it can be mentally draining, but I have a really strong support system that believes in me.” Thompson even had a short stint with the Seattle Seahawks back in December, signing to their practice squad. He was with the team for about a month, and growing up in Renton, just a few minutes from the Seahawks practice facility (VMAC) – it was a dream come true. “It was a crazy feeling being a kid from Renton growing up watching them on Sundays,” he said. “It was just awesome.” The Chicago Bears signed Thompson after he was cut by New England and was on their practice roster listed as a linebacker, but was later released. He also spent some time with the Dallas Cowboys back in February, but lasted just a few months. So where is Thompson now? An ACL tear to Tennessee Titans safety Jonathan Cyprien on August 2 had Tennessee in need of a safety. They picked up two — and the Kennedy alum was one of them. He signed two days later, and is vying to make the roster as he has played in two preseason games so far. “Right now, I plan on doing everything I can to get better so I can be here in the future,” he commented. “Every day is a new opportunity to get better.” September 1 is when the league has to make its official 53-man rosters.

ABOUT OUR SPORTS SPONSOR: Dr. William C. Kenner, V

“Having the opportunity to utilize my expertise and help patients achieve optimum, functional oral health is what drives my passion for dentistry.”

About our office: Our patients have a great appreciation for the care that we provide, and many of them have been with the practice since it was opened by my father in 1978. It is extremely rewarding to see those patients entrust our office with their own care, the care of their children, and their friends and family. We strive to provide quality, patient-centered dental care. Our goal is to create a unique dental experience for our patients, where their needs and comfort come first. Each Team member brings their individual element to the office, making everyday entertaining and enjoyable. For the past four years the Kenner Dental Group has been an event sponsor for the Burien Brat Trot, benefiting Highline Schools Foundation. We have also worked to raise awareness of children’s oral health and provided pediatric dental care in the community. I am a Burien native born and raised. My wife Dr. Leigh Kenner, who I met in dental school, and I have been married since October 2009. We have two beautiful children, daughter Brynn and son Liam, along with two dogs, Lilly and Cali. Our house is always a bit busy, but when there is time to relax and get away, our family loves outdoor activities together, watching the Seahawks, traveling to see family in San Diego and Palm Springs, and enjoying the beach along Alki. My individual outdoor passion is fresh-water fly fishing, although I’ve been known to throw saltwater flies off Alki Point and Fauntleroy occasionally. For more info, visit https://www.kennerdentalgroup.com, or call 206-248-1339.