THROUGHOUT THE MAJORITY OF HIS UPBRINGING, JOHN THOMPSON HAS MAINTAINED THE IDEA THAT HE’S ALWAYS HAD SOMETHING TO PROVE.
As the baby of a family of athletes, that naturally comes with the territory.
“Both of my brothers played and growing up, people would always refer to me as Elijah’s brother or Nate’s brother,” he said. “I’m grateful for the path they helped make for me, but I’ve always tried to make a name for myself. I’m not gonna lie it was hard at first, but I’ve overcome it.”
However, that chip on his shoulder has translated to quite the high school career at Lee, evidenced by the fact that the incoming senior linebacker has been a staple for coach Tim Finn’s defense.
“I’ve grown to be really fond of this program,” said Thompson. “Coming in as a freshman and just starting to play the game about three years before that, I always thought it was going to be too hard or that I’d never be able to compete at that high level. Being in the position I am now, you’ve just got to kind of fall in love with it.
"The biggest motivator for me to do what I do has been my Mom. I’ve always told her that I was going to buy her a house someday. That’s really every kid’s dream, right?”
Although Thompson may put plenty of weight on his shoulders in terms of the responsibility he places upon himself, that doesn’t necessarily mean he can’t enjoy himself in his spare time.
“Ever since the new NCAA Football game was released, I’ve been on that every single day,” Thompson laughed. “But, I like to hoop and spend some time with my friends. Of course, I make time for family, helping my Mom around the house and being around my cousins and all them.”
It’s distinctly evident that family means a great deal to the Lee senior, both at home and on the football field.
As he prepares for his last ride with the team, Thompson will continue to have an unwavering focus for his future.
“The goal this year is to get an offer,” he said. “I’ve had some college coaches looking at me, and I’m hoping to eventually get that opportunity to play ball at the next level. Football is definitely going to be Plan A, but if that doesn’t come to pass then I have some people and career options I can fall back on.”
Regardless of where his path may lead, John Thompson will no doubt be the one to pave it.