Thompson Takes Opponents to School
Published on September 1, 2021 under Indoor Football League (IFL)
Frisco Fighters News Release
It takes a caring nature to be patient with and teach children. Driving a passer into the unforgiving ground might require a meaner disposition. With rookie defensive lineman Tyrell Thompson, both can apply.
Almost a year and a half ago, Thompson was a member of the XFL's Dallas Renegades, playing meaningful professional football for the first time. Some virus caused a stir at a basketball game in Utah, and other sports leagues were trying to figure out what to make of it.
Unaware of the pandemic's extent, players were under the impression that they'd be returning soon enough. Thompson and his XFL acquaintances were taken aback when the teams went under.
"We didn't know what was going on," Thompson said. "We just got an email saying the league was done. We got our last paycheck. That was it. I was kind of just sitting there at home not really knowing what to do."
His mom, a teacher, let him know that a school in his district was looking for a physical education teacher. Thompson applied and interviewed for the job and was brought on as an aide. Still, with the regular teacher out for a few months, he was managing a classroom on his own.
"At first, it was very stressful," Thompson said. "Because I just came off of playing professional football and now I'm dealing with kids ranging from five, to ten, sometimes eleven years old. I didn't really understand how wild kids were."
The more he engaged with his students, the more he grew attached to them. Thompson became a role model for the kids. He was someone they'd go to if they needed something.
"The school I went to was in a low-income area," Thompson said. "The kids are quote, unquote, bad. But they're not bad kids. They just need someone that they know is in their corner."
By the time he left them to join the Fighters, tears streamed down his face.
"I knew I had a better opportunity and once I explained that to them, they were all rooting for me," Thompson said. "I know through their parents that they're watching me play today."
Coach Dave Ewart had been in contact with Thompson since his days as an All-American at Tarleton State. He persisted that Thompson join Frisco, even through his stops at the Los Angeles Rams' camp and in the XFL. Even with how much he enjoyed mentoring kids, Thompson finally decided to give it a go.
Working in on the Fighters' talented defensive front, Thompson recorded a pair of takedowns last week against Spokane. During the regular season, he amassed 15 total tackles.
Once his playing days are over, Thompson plans on getting back to teaching and coaching. At the moment, though, Pirates are on his mind.
"We're ready," said Thompson. "We're focused. We know we're going into a hostile environment. It's going to be a battle, but it's going to be won in the trenches."
Kickoff for Saturday evening's semifinal matchup with Massachusetts is set for 7 p.m. CT.
Indoor Football League Stories from September 1, 2021
- Spaight Player of the Week - Massachusetts Pirates
- Pirates Face Frisco in IFL Semifinal - Massachusetts Pirates
- 2021 IFL Playoffs Round One Players of the Week Named - IFL
- Thompson Takes Opponents to School - Frisco Fighters
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