Skylar Thompson

Last updated

Skylar Thompson
Skylar Thompson.png
Thompson in 2021
Pittsburgh Steelers
Position: Quarterback
Personal information
Born: (1997-06-04) June 4, 1997 (age 27)
Palmyra, Missouri, U.S.
Height:6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Weight:210 lb (95 kg)
Career information
High school: Fort Osage
(Independence, Missouri)
College: Kansas State (2016–2021)
NFL draft: 2022  / round: 7 / pick: 247
Career history
Roster status:Active
Career NFL statistics as of Week 18, 2024
Passing attempts:138
Passing completions:81
Completion percentage:58.7%
TD–INT:1–3
Passing yards:721
Passer rating:66.1
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Skylar John Thompson (born June 4, 1997) is an American professional football quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Kansas State Wildcats and was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL draft.

Contents

Early life

Thompson was born to Brad Thompson and Teresa Thompson in Palmyra, Missouri on June 4, 1997. [1] His mother Teresa was diagnosed with stage-four breast cancer and died in 2004 when Thompson was just six years old. Thompson also lost his grandfather, John Thompson, in 2003 to pancreatic cancer. [2]

Thompson was a four-year letterman and starting quarterback, punter, and kicker at Fort Osage High School in Independence, Missouri. As a senior, Thompson threw for 2,129 yards on 142 passes with 26 touchdowns on only 3 interceptions, leading the Fort Osage Indians to a 13–1 record and a state championship title over Chaminade High School. In the state championship game, Thompson threw and rushed for a state championship game record of 455 yards and 7 touchdowns combined. [3] In his total career, Thompson threw for 6,222 yards on 423 passes (a 63% completion rate) with 72 touchdowns on just 9 interceptions. [4]

Thompson was named a 3-star recruit by ESPN and a 4-star recruit by 247Sports, accepting a full-ride scholarship to Kansas State over offers from Illinois, Iowa State, Kansas, Louisville, North Dakota State, Ohio, Tulsa, UNLV, Wake Forest, and Wyoming, as well as several preferred walk-on spots, including Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri, among many others. [5]

Thompson also lettered in basketball, baseball, and soccer, and was named Missouri All-State in both basketball and soccer at certain points in his career.

College career

After redshirting as a freshman and being named Scout Team Player of the Year, Thompson appeared in eight games and had four starts, throwing three touchdowns on 267 yards. [6] He was named the full-time starter as a sophomore and kept that starting role until graduation, but was constantly plagued with injuries throughout college. His sophomore year was riddled with minor injuries, including a broken rib and a twisted ankle, and in 2020, Thompson was ruled out-for-season after sustaining a serious upper-body injury against Texas Tech. [7] He was again injured in week 3 of 2021 against Southern Illinois, seeing limited time as a backup while healing and not returning full-time until week 10. [8]

When Thompson was healthy, he played very well and was considered one of the best quarterbacks in the history of Kansas State football, having the all-time record for best passer rating over 2,000 yards, the second-most career passing touchdowns and passing yards in school history, as well as the second-most total offensive yards for a quarterback in school history. [6] He finished his passing career with 7,134 yards on 552 passes (a 63% completion rate) for 42 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. Skylar was also an effective running quarterback with 1,087 total rushing yards and 26 touchdowns. [9]

College statistics

SeasonTeamGPPassingRushing
CmpAttPctYdsAvgTDIntRtgAttYdsAvgTD
2016 Kansas State 0 Redshirt.svg Redshirt
2017 Kansas State 8518361.46898.353143.8692673.93
2018 Kansas State 1112220858.71,3916.794125.31053733.65
2019 Kansas State 1317729759.62,3157.8125135.01144053.611
2020 Kansas State 3406462.56269.840165.319382.03
2021 Kansas State 1016223369.52,1039.0124158.94840.14
Career 4555288562.47,1248.04216142.03551,0873.126

Professional career

Pre-draft measurables
HeightWeightArm lengthHand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump
6 ft 1+7⁄8 in
(1.88 m)		217 lb
(98 kg)		31 in
(0.79 m)		8+5⁄8 in
(0.22 m)		4.91 s1.62 s2.77 s4.28 s7.00 s31.0 in
(0.79 m)		9 ft 4 in
(2.84 m)
All values from NFL Combine [10] [11]

Miami Dolphins

Prior to the NFL draft, Thompson was predicted to be an undrafted free agent due to a history of injuries, his age, and a "lack of consistent production as a passer," according to NFL.com. [12] He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins, with the 247th overall pick in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL draft. [13]

2022

Thompson's performance during the first two games of the 2022 preseason was notable, with ProFootballTalk speculating that his success might force the Dolphins to keep Thompson on the active roster rather than risk losing him to another team. [14] Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel also noted that it would be difficult to leave Thompson off of the main roster in light of his strong preseason performances. [15] Thompson ranked first among qualifying quarterbacks in passer rating (138.5) at the conclusion of the 2022 preseason. [16] [17] Thompson was named to the 53 man roster after final cuts. [18]

Thompson made his NFL debut in Week 5 against the New York Jets after Teddy Bridgewater left the game with a concussion. He completed 19-of-33 passes for 166 yards and an interception in the 40–17 loss. [19]

On October 15, 2022, Thompson was announced as the Dolphins Week 6 starter against the Minnesota Vikings after both Tua Tagovailoa and Teddy Bridgewater were dealing with concussions. [20] He sustained a thumb injury after completing 7-of-13 passes for 89 yards and was replaced by Bridgewater, who cleared concussion protocol and was active as the backup quarterback. [21]

On January 6, 2023, Thompson was announced as the starter against the Jets in Week 18 after Tagovailoa entered concussion protocol following Week 16 and Bridgewater suffered a dislocated finger on his throwing hand in Week 17. [22] He completed 20 passes on 31 attempts for 152 yards in an 11–6 win for the Dolphins, clinching the team's first postseason appearance since the 2016 season. [23]

On January 11, Tagovailoa was officially ruled out for the Dolphins' Wild Card Round game against the Buffalo Bills, with McDaniel stating that Thompson would start his third career game. [24] Miami entered the contest as 14-point underdogs and were defeated 34–31. [25] Thompson threw for 220 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions with a 40% completion rate, though Miami's receivers were credited with several drops. [26] [27] [28]

2023

With Tagovailoa healthy, Thompson served as the third-string quarterback behind Mike White and did not appear during the 2023 season. [29]

2024

Thompson replaced Tagovailoa in their Week 2 game against the Bills after the latter left the game with a concussion. [30] Thompson later started in Week 3 against the Seahawks but left midway through the third quarter in their 24–3 loss with a rib injury. [31] He was waived on December 14, 2024 and re-signed to the practice squad three days later. [32] [33]

Pittsburgh Steelers

On January 14, 2025, the Pittsburgh Steelers signed Thompson to a reserve/future contract. [34]

NFL career statistics

Regular season

YearTeamGamesPassingRushingSacksFumbles
GPGSRecordCmpAttPctYdsY/ALngTDIntRtgAttYdsAvgLngTDSckSckYFumLost
2022 MIA 721–16010557.15345.1321362.214211.59064022
2023 MIA 00—DNP
2024 MIA 310–1213363.61875.7220078.7144.04064420
Career 1031–28113858.77215.2321366.115251.790128442

Postseason

YearTeamGamesPassingRushingSacksFumbles
GPGSRecordCmpAttPctYdsY/ALngTDIntRtgAttYdsAvgLngTDSckSckYFumLost
2022 MIA 110–1184540.02204.9251244.7231.52043100
2023 MIA 00—DNP
Career 110–1184540.02204.9251244.7231.52043100

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References

  1. ↑ "Skylar Thompson – Football – Kansas State University Athletics". Kansas State University. Retrieved January 15, 2023.
  2. ↑ Thompson, Skylar (May 12, 2019). "SE: In His Own Words — Keep Surviving". Kansas State Wildcats Athletics. Retrieved September 2, 2023.
  3. ↑ "Missouri Football POY: Skylar Thompson". USA TODAY High School Sports. December 3, 2015. Retrieved October 10, 2022.
  4. ↑ "Skylar Thompson's High School Football Stats". MaxPreps.com. Retrieved October 10, 2022.
  5. ↑ "Skylar Thompson Recruit Interests". 247sports.com. Retrieved October 10, 2022.
  6. 1 2 "Skylar Thompson – Football". Kansas State University Athletics. Retrieved October 10, 2022.
  7. ↑ Sallee, Barrett (October 12, 2020). "Kansas State QB Skylar Thompson out for the season after suffering an upper body injury". CBSSports.com. Retrieved October 10, 2022.
  8. ↑ Summers, Mitchel (September 11, 2021). "K-State's Skylar Thompson injured in Wildcats 31–23 win". www.wibw.com. Retrieved October 10, 2022.
  9. ↑ "Skylar Thompson College Stats, School, Draft, Gamelog, Splits". Sports Reference . Retrieved June 11, 2024.
  10. ↑ "Skylar Thompson Draft and Combine Prospect Profile". NFL.com. Retrieved March 8, 2022.
  11. ↑ "Skylar Thompson, Kansas State, QB, 2022 NFL Draft Scout, NCAA College Football". draftscout.com. Retrieved March 8, 2022.
  12. ↑ "Skylar Thompson Draft and Combine Prospect Profile". NFL.com. Retrieved August 21, 2022.
  13. ↑ "The Reaction: Miami Dolphins Select QB Skylar Thompson with No. 247 Pick". www.miamidolphins.com. April 30, 2022. Retrieved October 10, 2022.
  14. ↑ Smith, Michael David (August 21, 2022). "Dolphins' seventh-round rookie QB Skylar Thompson continues to impress". ProFootballTalk. Retrieved August 21, 2022.
  15. ↑ Masala, Mike (August 29, 2022). "Mike McDaniel speaks on Skylar Thompson's fight for a roster spot". Dolphins Wire. Retrieved September 2, 2023.
  16. ↑ Cardenas, Anthony (August 30, 2022). "Miami Dolphins: Skylar Thompson is the MVP of the preseason". Phin Phanatic. Retrieved October 10, 2022.
  17. ↑ Louis-Jacques, Marcel (January 6, 2023). "Dolphins' rookie QB Skylar Thompson confident ahead of must-win season finale". ESPN.com. Retrieved September 2, 2023.
  18. ↑ "Skylar Thompson makes Dolphins roster". KSNT 27 News. August 30, 2022. Retrieved January 15, 2023.
  19. ↑ Owens, Jason (October 9, 2022). "Teddy Bridgewater sidelined in new Tua Tagovailoa concussion protocols; 7th-round rookie Skylar Thompson in for Dolphins". sports.yahoo.com. Retrieved October 9, 2022.
  20. ↑ Florio, Mike (October 15, 2022). "Teddy Bridgewater is cleared to play, will be No. 2 to Skylar Thompson on Sunday". ProFootballTalk. Retrieved October 15, 2022.
  21. ↑ McCarriston, Shanna (October 16, 2022). "Dolphins' Skylar Thompson exits with thumb injury as Miami QB woes continue; Teddy Bridgewater takes over". CBSSports.com. Retrieved October 18, 2022.
  22. ↑ Louis-Jacques, Marcel (January 6, 2023). "Dolphins to start rookie QB Skylar Thompson vs. Jets". ESPN. Retrieved January 6, 2023.
  23. ↑ "Dolphins clinch playoff berth after beating Jets 11–6". CBSSports.com. Associated Press. January 8, 2023. Retrieved January 8, 2023.
  24. ↑ Maiorana, Sal (January 11, 2023). "Skylar Thompson in, Tua Tagovailoa out vs Bills: What to know about Miami QB situation". Democrat and Chronicle. Retrieved September 2, 2023.
  25. ↑ "Bills hang on for 34–31 wild-card win over Dolphins". CBSSports.com. Associated Press. January 16, 2023. Retrieved September 2, 2023.
  26. ↑ "Wild Card – Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills – January 15th, 2023". Pro Football Reference . Retrieved September 2, 2023.
  27. ↑ Dimmitt, Zach (January 15, 2023). "Bills vs. Dolphins: Crucial Drops – But Big TD Catches from Cole Beasley, Gabe Davis Entering 4th Quarter". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved September 2, 2023.
  28. ↑ "Dolphins' Skylar Thompson: Nearly beats Bills". CBSSports.com. January 15, 2023. Retrieved January 16, 2023.
  29. ↑ "Dolphins' Skylar Thompson ready to lead as Tua Tagovailoa recovers from concussion". CBS News. September 18, 2024. Retrieved September 27, 2024.
  30. ↑ Wells, Adam (September 12, 2024). "Dolphins' Tua Tagovailoa Out vs. Bills with Concussion, Replaced by Skylar Thompson". Bleacher Report. Retrieved September 27, 2024.
  31. ↑ Louis-Jacques, Marcel (September 22, 2024). "Skylar Thompson suffers 'painful' rib injury in loss to Seahawks". ESPN.com. Retrieved September 27, 2024.
  32. ↑ "Miami Dolphins Make Roster Moves". MiamiDolphins.com. December 14, 2024.
  33. ↑ "Skylar Thompson: Sticking around in Miami". CBS Sports. December 17, 2024. Retrieved December 17, 2024.
  34. ↑ Varley, Teresa (January 14, 2025). "Steelers sign 17 to Reserve/Future contracts". Steelers.com. Retrieved January 14, 2025.
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