Alan Thompson (American football)


Alan Thompson is a former American football running back in the Canadian Football League for the Ottawa Rough Riders. He also was a member of the Philadelphia Bell in the World Football League. He played college football at the University of Wisconsin.

Early years

Thompson attended James Madison High School, where he was a starter at running back. He accepted a football scholarship from the University of Wisconsin.
As a sophomore, he was named the starter at fullback. He had 220 rushing yards in his college debut against the University of Oklahoma. He led the team during the season, collecting 214 carries for 907 yards, a 4.2-yard average and 9 touchdowns.
As a junior, he was second on the team with 124 carries for 455 yards and 5 touchdowns. As a senior, he was second on the team with 124 carries for 643 yards and 6 touchdowns.

Professional career

Thompson was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the 14th round of the 1972 NFL Draft. On May 31, he instead opted to sign with the Ottawa Rough Riders of the Canadian Football League. He was a backup fullback, posting 18 carries for 94 yards.
In 1973, he signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League. He was released on July 22.
In 1974, he signed with the Philadelphia Bell of the World Football League. He was a backup running back, registering 76 carries for 370 yards. In 1975, he tallied 20 carries for 68 yards, before the league folded mid-way through the season.