Shaq Thompson is an NFL linebacker from Sacramento, California, born April 21, 1994. He played college football at Washington, where his versatility defined his final season: the Huskies used him at linebacker, safety, running back and on special teams. Thompson won the 2014 Paul Hornung Award as the nation’s most versatile major-college player and earned first-team All-America recognition before leaving Washington after his junior season.
Carolina selected Thompson in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft with the 25th overall pick. His profile entering the league emphasized range, coverage ability and the flexibility to fill hybrid linebacker roles, traits that matched his varied Washington experience. After a decade with Carolina through 2024, he signed a one-year deal with Buffalo in June 2025. Most recently, on August 31, 2026, the Bills announced that Thompson had joined their practice squad; Buffalo’s current NFL roster listing identifies him as an outside linebacker wearing No. 54. Thompson also had a brief professional baseball stint after Boston drafted him as an outfielder in 2012.
Position
LB
Shaq Thompson Questions & Answers
What team is Shaq Thompson with?
As of September 14, 2026, Shaq Thompson is on the Buffalo Bills practice squad. The Bills announced his practice-squad signing on August 31, 2026.
What position does Shaq Thompson play?
Thompson is listed by the NFL as an outside linebacker. His background includes hybrid linebacker responsibilities and coverage-oriented duties.
How tall is Shaq Thompson?
Shaq Thompson is listed at 6 feet tall by the NFL.
When was Shaq Thompson born?
He was born on April 21, 1994, in Sacramento, California.
Which college did Shaq Thompson attend?
Thompson attended the University of Washington, where he played for the Huskies and won the 2014 Paul Hornung Award.
When was Shaq Thompson drafted into the NFL?
The Carolina Panthers selected Thompson in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft, 25th overall.
What is Shaq Thompson's playing style?
Thompson is a rangy, versatile linebacker whose experience across linebacker, safety, running back and special teams made him a flexible defensive option. His pre-draft evaluation highlighted his ability to contribute against both the run and pass.
Did Shaq Thompson play professional baseball?
Yes. The Boston Red Sox drafted Thompson as an outfielder in the 18th round of the 2012 MLB Draft, and he spent time with the organization’s rookie-level club before pursuing football at Washington.
