Chapter Newsletter & Notes
2009 Honoring Legends-Inspiring Leaders Program
National Football Foundation News Release-April 29, 2009
Courage Award Winner WCCO News Story-April 23, 2009 Video
Courage Award Winner WKBT News Story-April 22, 2009
Awards Dinner Full Press Release- May 10, 2009
2008 MN Chapter Awards Dinner in Review
In the huddle with member Darrell Thompson
Darrell Thompson
By Nadine Babu-NFF Member
Anyone that is familiar with Minnesota Gopher Football not only knows who Darrell Thompson is, but views him as a legend. During his four years as a Gopher, he became the all-time rushing leader, and was a force to be reckoned with. He went on to have a successful career in the NFL, playing for the Green Bay Packers for five years. Now he is focused on his family, and post-football career. Thompson is the Executive Director for Bolder Options, a fantastic organization that mentors at-risk youth. He continues to make a difference in many lives, and is impacting the community everyday. Thompson took time out of his busy schedule to speak to the NFF…
NFF: What is your greatest memory from being a Gopher football player?
DT: When we beat Michigan when I was a freshman. They were ranked #2 in the nation, and were turning the program around.
NFF: What rushing/scoring record that you hold, means the most to you?
DT: The total amount of yards I rushed for (4,654), because it was more work than I had ever imagined.
NFF: What other schools recruited you out of high school?
DT: Wisconsin, Nebraska, UCLA, and there were a number of others, but it was so long ago.
NFF: Tell me a bit about what’s been keeping you busy right now?
DT: I have four kids and a wonderful wife. That’s all I really have time for. All of our kids are playing 2-3 sports a piece; baseball, football, track, basketball, just about everything. Our lives revolve around that, it takes up about 40-45 hours a week.
NFF: Are you coaching any of their teams?
DT: I coached two basketball teams this winter, and coached baseball in the past. I’m not currently coaching any of their teams right now.
NFF: Where do you currently work and what do you do?
DT: I’ve been the executive director for Bolder Options (http://www.bolderoptions.org/) since 1998. It’s a youth mentoring program that focuses on doing physical activities with the kids, running, biking and doing homework with them.
NFF: Who was your football hero growing up?
DT: Walter Payton.
NFF: Did you ever have the opportunity to meet him?
DT: I met him when I played in the Hall of Fame game. He’s someone who I respect because of the way he played, his desire, and ability.
NFF: How many years have you been doing radio for the Gopher Football Games?
DT: 10 years, and I hope to continue.
NFF: Would you ever want to coach football at the college or pro level?
DT: Sometimes I’d like to do that, but right now, I don’t have enough time. I need all my time for my kids.
NFF: What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
DT: I do yoga, specifically, Bikram yoga. I was introduced to it by a friend that played pro ball. It’s restorative, and doesn’t tear your muscles down.
END