Green Bay GM Ted Thompson Named NFL Executive of the Year

Sporting News selected Ted Thompson as its George Young NFL Executive of the Year.

Since rejoining the Packers as general manager in 2005 after a stint in Seattle, Thompson has blended the right mix of players. He has kept productive veterans such as end Aaron Kampman, wide receiver Donald Driver and offensive tackle Chad Clifton while acquiring such players as linebacker A.J. Hawk, cornerback Charles Woodson, running back Ryan Grant, tight end Donald Lee and wide receivers Greg Jennings and James Jones. Thompson also hired Mike McCarthy, who won a division championship in only his second season as a coach.

"Ted rebuilt the Packers quickly and efficiently with expert drafting and roster management and selected the right coach at the right time," says Rams G.M. Jay Zygmunt.

NFL Executive: Top vote-getters
19 Packers G.M. Ted Thompson
9 Giants G.M. Jerry Reese
8 Patriots VP of player personnel Scott Pioli
3 Jaguars VP of player personnel James Harris
2 Cowboys owner Jerry Jones
Seven others received one vote

The George Young NFL Executive of the Year was determined through voting by 48 NFL executives. Admittedly, Thompson got a lot of shit from Packer fans since he joined the team. That ruckus has quieted down since the Pack finished 13-3 this past season. I was on the fence with Ted. We'll see what his "wunderboy", heir-apparent-to-Favre Aaron Rogers does this season.

'Course - Brett still hasn't filed his retirement paperwork with the NFL offices, so...