Thompson played at the University of Tennessee from 2018–2020 under head coach Jeremy Pruitt.[2][3] Thompson started 10 of 12 games in his freshman season, finishing with the highest grade of any freshman cornerback in the nation, with three interceptions and seven pass break-ups.[4] In his sophomore year, he finished with three interceptions, along with 32 tackles and a sack.[5] As a junior he played 10 games, finishing with a career-high 36 tackles, two interceptions, a force fumble and a fumble recovery. In January 2021, Thompson announced he was foregoing his senior year to declare for the 2021 NFL draft.[6]
Professional career
New Orleans Saints
After going undrafted in the 2021 NFL draft, Thompson signed for the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent on May 2, 2021.[7] He was waived by the Saints, with an injury designation on August 26, 2021, before being waived from injured reserve on September 3, 2021.[8][9] Thompson re-signed to the Saints practice squad on October 5, 2021.[10] He made his NFL debut in week 16 of the 2021 NFL season against the Miami Dolphins having been a gameday COVID-19 replacement activated from the practice squad.[11] He signed a reserve/future contract with the Saints on January 12, 2022.[12]
Thompson was waived/injured on August 10, 2022,[13] and was placed on injured reserve the next day.[14] He was waived off injured reserve on August 15, 2022.[15] He was re-signed to the practice squad on October 5.[16] He was promoted to the active roster on October 8.[17] He was waived on November 1 and re-signed to the practice squad. He was promoted back to the active roster on November 19, then waived two days later.[18]