Former UNC football players remember star defensive tackle Donnell Thompson

Posted Sep 25, 2024
Donnell Thompson, a star defensive tackle on UNC's 1980 ACC championship team and 11-year NFL veteran, died Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024. He was 65. Thompson — or “Foots” as he was known to his Tar Heel teammates due to his size-16 shoe — played alongside Lawrence Taylor as part of a fear-striking defensive line that was a linchpin to UNC's success. (Daily Tar Heel)

Related: Football, Tar Heels in the NFL

UNC Football lands three players on Phil Steele's Preseason All-ACC list
UNC Football played to a 4-8 record last season, snapping its streak of six straight consecutive appearances. Despite the Tar Heels' struggles, several players carved...
Wed Jun 17, 2026

Former UNC Defensive Lineman Jahvaree Ritzie Signs With Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings are closing their offseason workout program by adding two players. The team on Tuesday signed 24-year-old tight end Marshall Lang, strengthening a...
Tue Jun 16, 2026

Drake Maye looks set to take a Year-3 leap at Patriots minicamp
Could Drake Maye be even better in 2026 than he was in his NFL MVP runner-up season? The New England Patriots quarterback now has an...
Mon Jun 15, 2026

Newsletter: OmaHeels Advance, Michael Malone At NBPA Top-100 Camp, Osaruyi Schedules Official Visit
UNC Baseball is one win away the championship series at the College World Series, Michael Malone was on hand in Omaha between stops on the...
Mon Jun 15, 2026